Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
But, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.
Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just 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 this long - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through 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 this is the result."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked 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 last European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."