Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.
His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
