Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent strike, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the numbers supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best is two individual five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented 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 ups and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally ignited talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits think 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 conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
However, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."