Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
Yet, a just four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo 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 Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double versus Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
