Watkins Holds the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.
His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite 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 test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain 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."
Stiff Rivalry
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."