Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly 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 matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever 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 made him a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch 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 mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
