Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old moved to 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.
Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class 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 established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
