Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his first ten English top division games this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
However, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."