Watkins Possesses the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
However, a only four weeks later, he is the hottest forward in England following bagging seven goals in six back-to-back games.
His latest finish, in a stalemate against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the statistics underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.
His six-game scoring sequence places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest remains two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker additional space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted 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 highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably fueled conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"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."
Stiff Competition
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."