Watkins Holds the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Make the World Cup
Only one goal in his opening ten English top division outings this season had many doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
But, a mere four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 straight games.
His latest strike, in a stalemate against Sunderland, took his total to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
A Remarkable Revival
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its final stages.
However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are extremely impressive.
His six-match scoring run sees him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his best stands at two distinct five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Secret to the Purple Patch?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a popular figure at his previous club.
Pundits highlight the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has shown little astonishment at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
The England Conversation
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally ignited discussions of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Rivalry
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of 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 pundit added. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."