Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer 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 marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.
However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
