Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Might Yet Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this campaign had numerous doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
However, a only four weeks later, he is the most discussed attacker in England after bagging 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Resurgence
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
But, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.
His six-game scoring run sees him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of resolve and I've hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
The England Dilemma
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the national team since the previous European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."