A solitary goal in his first ten English top division games this campaign had plenty of questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.
Yet, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His newest strike, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
A Stunning Revival
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.
However, the data behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely impressive.
His six-match scoring streak sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his longest stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What's Behind the Purple Patch?
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has given the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've backed myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
International Question
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has naturally fueled conversations of an England call-up.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the country since the previous European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Intense Competition
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was stated.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
