Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.
But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.
His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.
Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.
"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 may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."