A solitary goal in his first ten English top division outings this season had many doubting whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's best days were behind him.
But, a mere four weeks on, he stands as the most discussed striker in England after netting 7 goals in six consecutive games.
His most recent strike, in a stalemate versus Sunderland, took his season's haul to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this term.
The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year stint with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its final stages.
However, the statistics underpinning his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.
His six-match scoring sequence puts him in prestigious company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League matches.
To frame that statistic, even England captain Harry Kane did not achieve a run this long - his longest is two individual five-match streaks.
And the sole English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in the modern era is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
Why has Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A recent opponent's manager summed it up perfectly.
"He has the impeccable timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That instinct and positional sense inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.
Analysts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, helping a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.
"He is a archetypal centre-forward," commented a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little touch beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."
"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."
His manager has voiced no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the division.
Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has inevitably 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.
Analysts feel the striker will be in contention for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this form.
"He looks as fit as he has in a considerable period," one remarked. "If he sustains 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 incredibly tough.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, fresh off a match-winning two goals against Chelsea, is presently regarded as ahead in the selection race, according to some analysis.
"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.
"He also possesses the advantage when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."
Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad might come down to how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to include.
"I think it might hinge on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
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