Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."