Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a mere four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.
His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.
Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains 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 streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve 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 little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "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 intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."