Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
But, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His most recent finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best remains two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole 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.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick 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 mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
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 previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," 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
However, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."