Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."