Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
Yet, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.
However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.
His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass 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 Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," 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
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."