Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
Just one goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His newest strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its latter stages.
But, the data underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly impressive.
His six-game scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best stands at two separate five-match runs.
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 Secret to the Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the box was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A challenge of resolve and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently regarded as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."