Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a just four weeks later, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.
However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up 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 turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
