Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Could Still Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had numerous wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.
Yet, the numbers supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring run puts him in prestigious 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 did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two separate five-match runs.
And the only 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 Secret to the Purple Patch?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class 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 beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve 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, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
The England Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
However, the battle for places as backup to Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive double versus Chelsea, is presently considered to be ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager selects two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
