Watkins Possesses the Advantage - But Calvert-Lewin Could Yet Secure the International Squad
Only one goal in his first ten English top division appearances this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
However, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the hottest attacker in England following scoring seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent goal, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
An Impressive Revival
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.
However, the data underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are extremely remarkable.
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 outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest remains two individual five-match runs.
And the only English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
The Reason for the Hot Streak?
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"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 box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed 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 highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has predictably sparked talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the national team since the last European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Fierce Competition
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."