Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division games this season had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.
His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his top stands at two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Scoring Form?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as in front in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."