Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the World Cup
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight games this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
An Impressive 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 marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.
However, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top remains two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits note 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, which has provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the previous European Championship.
Pundits feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently regarded 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 stated.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
