Watkins Holds the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Make the International Squad
Just one goal in his first ten top-flight games this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
Yet, a only four weeks later, he has become the most talked-about striker in England after netting seven goals in six consecutive games.
His newest goal, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Return to Form
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its closing stages.
However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring sequence sees him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match runs.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has expressed no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the country since the last European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might hinge on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."