Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.
But, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably ignited talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."