Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight outings this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six straight games.
His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its closing stages.
Yet, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely notable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top remains two individual five-match runs.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel 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 considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
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 take.
"I think it might come down to whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."