Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
However, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in six straight games.
His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely 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 fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured 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 had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the previous European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
