Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had numerous questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
However, a just four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.
His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.
But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence 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 did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."