A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
But, a only four weeks later, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 consecutive games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its closing stages.
Yet, the data behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are truly notable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his top is two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What has made Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A latest opponent's manager explained it succinctly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a beloved player at his previous club.
Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, allowing more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably fueled discussions of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.
Analysts believe the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.
"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one commented. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently seen as leading in the hierarchy, according to some assessment.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
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