Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.
His latest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest stands at two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
