Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup
Just one goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
But, a just four weeks on, he is the hottest striker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His newest finish, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.
However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Scoring Form?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."