A solitary goal in his first ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about forward in England following bagging 7 goals in six back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, elevated his season's haul to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by setbacks in its final stages.
However, the data supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely remarkable.
His six-game scoring streak places him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match runs.
And the sole English striker to better Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up aptly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's clever and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and here I am now."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the league.
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally ignited conversations of an England return.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"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."
However, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning double against Chelsea, is right now seen as leading in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses 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 significant impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to take.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
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Leah Preston
Leah Preston
Leah Preston
Leah Preston