Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in six straight games.
His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two distinct 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 spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager summed it up 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 exactly when needed."
That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked discussions of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."