Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.
Yet, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
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 outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his top remains two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.
Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably sparked conversations of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the previous European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
