Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.
However, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"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 debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."