Watkins Maintains the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Make the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England following netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Return to Form
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the data behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what made him a fan favourite at his former team.
Analysts point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Stiff Competition
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."