Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad
Only one goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.
His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top 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, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.
But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.
His six-game scoring streak places him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."