Watkins Maintains the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the hottest striker in England following scoring seven goals in six straight games.
His latest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
Yet, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably sparked talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be in front in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
