Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent finish, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely impressive.
His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his top is two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo 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 Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Analysts 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 considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."