Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had numerous questioning if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
Yet, a just four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed forward in England after netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.
His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, brought his tally to eight, making him the highest 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 marred by fitness issues in its closing stages.
Yet, the statistics behind his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 formation are truly notable.
His six-game scoring run sees him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his longest is two separate five-match streaks.
And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What has made Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in this period? A latest opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a genuinely top-class striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."
That natural ability and timing inside the penalty area was what turned him into a fan favourite at his previous club.
Pundits point to the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby provided the striker a little more space.
"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of lows. A challenge of mentality and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."
His manager has voiced little astonishment at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
Calvert-Lewin's return to form has naturally fueled talks of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, scoring four goals, but has not featured for the Three Lions since the most recent 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 commented. "If he sustains 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 fierce.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a decisive brace versus Chelsea, is right now regarded as ahead in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to stretch 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 may depend on how many specialist strikers the national team coach decides to include.
"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit summarized. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."
A seasoned gambling analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and slot games across the UK market.