Only one goal in his initial ten Premier League appearances this season had numerous doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
Yet, a mere four weeks later, he stands as the hottest forward in England following scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.
His newest strike, in a tie against Sunderland, elevated his total to eight, establishing him as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its final stages.
But, the statistics underpinning his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring streak places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run of this length - his best remains two individual five-match streaks.
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.
What has made 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 said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and timing inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Experts note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker a little more space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this rich vein of form, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has inevitably fueled talks of an England call-up.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not played for the national team since the most recent European Championship.
Observers think the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one commented. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
But, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is presently seen as in front in the pecking order, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage 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 major finals."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
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