Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had many questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England after netting seven goals in 6 straight games.
His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
Yet, the data supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
