Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
Yet, a only four weeks on, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.
His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.
But, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the perfect 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 instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional 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 been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
