Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"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 instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp 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 Competition
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."