Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England following bagging 7 goals in six straight games.
His latest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.
His six-game scoring run places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match streaks.
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.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up 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 debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage 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 select.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."