Just one goal in his initial ten English top division outings this season had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a just four weeks on, he has become the hottest attacker in England after scoring seven goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, making him the top English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year stint with Everton that was blighted by injuries in its final stages.
Yet, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 formation are truly remarkable.
His six-game scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager described it aptly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his previous club.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, allowing a greater number of players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker some extra space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," noted 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 lows. A test of mentality and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."
His manager has shown no surprise at this hot streak, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably sparked discussions of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, netting four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a long time," one said. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace against Chelsea, is presently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to 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 analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
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