Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.
However, the numbers underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the impeccable 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 made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish 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 test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
International Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked discussions of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented 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 level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."