Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten Premier League appearances this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a only four weeks on, he has become the most discussed striker in England after netting seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its latter stages.
Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described 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 instinct and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick 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 persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.
Analysts think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
