Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six back-to-back games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
But, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart 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 turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
