Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League games this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly notable.
His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."