Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
But, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.
His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."