Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.
But, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-match scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits highlight 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 given the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
