Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England after scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top is two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a popular figure at his former team.
Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic 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 had faith and here I am now."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "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 behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."