Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.
However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his top is two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."