Only one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of doubting if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed attacker in England following netting seven goals in 6 straight games.
His latest finish, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, making him the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.
However, the numbers behind his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 setup are extremely notable.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run lasting this many games - his longest is two distinct five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker some extra space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "a top strikers" in the division.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.
"He looks as fit as he has in a long time," one remarked. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Yet, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is currently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some assessment.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also has the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to include.
"I think it might come down to whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
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