Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.
But, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.
Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
Yet, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."