Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.
But, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.
His six-match scoring run puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."