Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured 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 backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."