Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest striker in England after scoring seven goals in six straight games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced 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 the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"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 discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
