Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.
But, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.
His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious 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 lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."