Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."