Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
However, a mere four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.
However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.
His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented 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 challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."