Watkins Maintains the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about striker in England following scoring 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.
But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely notable.
His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.
And the only 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.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."