A solitary goal in his initial ten top-flight outings this season had numerous wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were over.
However, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the hottest forward in England after bagging seven goals in 6 straight games.
His latest finish, in a tie against Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
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 setbacks in its final stages.
Yet, the statistics supporting his comeback in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring run puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager stated. "He's smart and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.
Experts note the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, which has provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've believed in myself and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed little astonishment at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the last European Championship.
Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this standard.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."
Yet, competition for places supporting Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning brace against Chelsea, is right now considered to be leading in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a significant impact at a major finals."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether the manager includes two or three centre-forwards," an expert summarized. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
