Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.
But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent 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 popular figure at his former team.
Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch 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 believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
