Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.
However, a only four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed striker in England after bagging 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run this long - his best stands at two individual five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what established him as a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably sparked talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.
Observers believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
Yet, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you look at the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was said.
"He also has the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a big competition."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse literary genres and empowering others through words.
