Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight games this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
Yet, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy 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 finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured 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 now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, 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 said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."