Watkins Possesses the Edge - But Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
But, a only four weeks on, he has become the hottest striker in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.
But, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-game scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his top is two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That instinct and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish 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 resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Analysts feel 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 while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Intense Rivalry
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."