Just one goal in his opening ten English top division games this campaign had many wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were over.
But, a just four weeks later, he is the most discussed forward in England following netting seven goals in 6 back-to-back games.
His most recent strike, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.
The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was marred by fitness issues in its final stages.
However, the statistics supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are genuinely remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his top stands at two separate five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager described it succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."
That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what turned him into a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a major factor, allowing a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical 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 hung in there and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has voiced complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked talks of an England return.
The former Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the previous European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.
"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he continues this level of form... then he's going to be in a debate for a World Cup place."
But, the battle for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his speed to test teams," it was said.
"He also possesses the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a big competition."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin will be the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether the manager takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he definitely has a chance."
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