Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-game scoring run puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably sparked discussions of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."