Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad
A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were behind him.
However, a mere four weeks later, he has become the most discussed forward in England after netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest goal, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Resurgence
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its closing stages.
But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely notable.
His six-match scoring streak sees him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to better 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 Scoring Form?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
International Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might come down to whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
