Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a just four weeks on, he is the most talked-about striker in England following bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His newest strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.
But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-game scoring run puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the league.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test 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 is part of the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."