Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Yet Secure the World Cup
Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His newest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring run puts him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits point to the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled discussions of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the last European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."