Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest attacker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive 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 hampered by setbacks in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak places him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best remains two individual five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"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 instinct and timing inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
