Watkins Holds the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
However, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest forward in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.
His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.
But, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area 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 key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
