Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight outings this campaign had many questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
Yet, a mere four weeks later, he has become the hottest striker in England following bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the numbers behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as 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 speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."