A solitary goal in his opening ten English top division games this season had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were in the past.
Yet, a only four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most discussed forward in England following scoring 7 goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, brought his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the top English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its final stages.
But, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely notable.
His six-game scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League matches.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in recent weeks? A previous opponent's manager explained it perfectly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what established him as a popular figure at his previous club.
Experts point to the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, which has created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat 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 this is the result."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably ignited discussions of an England recall.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, scoring four goals, but has not represented the country since the most recent European Championship.
Pundits believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a while," one commented. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive double against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch teams," it was stated.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a significant impact at a major tournament."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the head coach decides to select.
"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.