Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little touch 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 character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for 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 level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."