Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better 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?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe 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 while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
