Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League games this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
However, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging seven goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its latter stages.
However, the data supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Experts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."