Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.
Yet, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring run puts 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits highlight 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, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled discussions of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Analysts 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 remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
