Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.
His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
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 hampered by fitness issues in its latter stages.
However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.
Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."