A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this campaign had many wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were over.
But, a mere four weeks afterwards, he has become the most talked-about forward in England after scoring 7 goals in six straight games.
His latest strike, in a 1-1 draw versus Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the leading English scorer in the Premier League this campaign.
The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.
Yet, the statistics behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely impressive.
His six-match scoring streak puts him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more consecutive Premier League fixtures.
To provide context, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run of this length - his top is two separate five-match runs.
And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.
What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager summed it up succinctly.
"He has the ideal timing," the manager remarked. "He's smart and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."
That natural ability and positional sense inside the box was what established him as a fan favourite at his former team.
Pundits note the formation change to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus created the striker some extra space.
"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a neat little finish beyond the keeper, a classic centre-forward's goal."
"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of resolve and I've persevered and kept going... I've had faith and now I'm reaping the rewards."
His manager has expressed complete confidence at this hot streak, stating again that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the league.
Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has naturally sparked discussions of an England recall.
The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not played for the national team since the last European Championship.
Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can keep up this level.
"He looks as sharp as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."
Yet, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.
Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the hierarchy, according to some analysis.
"If you compare the two players, Watkins possesses the advantage in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.
"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."
In the end, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many out-and-out strikers the England manager decides to take.
"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."
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