Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England following netting seven goals in six straight games.
His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.
However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
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 ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a classic 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 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 expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited discussions of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch 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 might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."