Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.
His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."