Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.
His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.
However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.
Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."