Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
However, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.
However, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."