Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.
His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
But, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring run puts him in elite 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 never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic 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 lows. A test of resolve 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, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."