Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this campaign had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
However, a only four weeks later, he is the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.
But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only 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 Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Analysts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."