Watkins Holds the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten Premier League games this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.
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 matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional 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 endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."