Watkins Possesses the Advantage - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the World Cup
Just one goal in his opening ten top-flight appearances this season had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
However, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed attacker in England after bagging seven goals in six straight games.
His latest goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as 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, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by fitness issues in its final stages.
But, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.
His six-match scoring streak places 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 of this length - his best is two distinct five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a popular figure at his former team.
Pundits note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the competition.
World Cup Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited discussions of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
