Watkins Possesses the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Make the World Cup
Just one goal in his initial ten top-flight games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.
But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring seven goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring sequence places 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 best stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager described it perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, enabling a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
World Cup Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Stiff Rivalry
However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."