Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his opening ten Premier League outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
However, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed forward in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.
However, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite 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 never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently regarded as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."