Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.
His latest goal, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
However, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Experts highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook 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 persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled discussions of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."