Kalvin Phillips announced himself on the world stage with a commanding display in England's opening UEFA Euro 2020 fixture against Croatia.
The Leeds midfielder was the sole participant in the game not to misplace a single pass in the opening hour, and drew countless positive reviews from BBC commentators Guy Mowbray and Jermaine Jenas.
Breaking forward in an unfamiliar box-to-box role, Phillips was England's standout performer during the first half.
He supported England's attacks, won the ball high up the pitch with a hard-pressing approach, whilst Declan Rice anchored the midfield.
It left Leeds United supporters beaming at the prospect of one of their own winning a Man of the Match award in a major international tournament fixture.
Praise came from all corners, and surprisingly from former foe Frank Lampard.
Lampard has held positions as Chelsea and Derby County boss throughout Phillips' time working under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United.
The pair have gone head-to-head on multiple occasions, most famously in the 2019 Championship play-off semi-final.
On punditry duty at Wembley, Lampard had plenty to say about Phillips' opening 45 minutes:
"Phillips in midfield, the energy we saw there. I think it is a brave selection from Gareth in midfield, he played Rice slightly deeper with Phillips on the right and Mason on the left, which gives Phillips and Mason the chance to jump with the security of Rice behind," Lampard said.
The ex-Chelsea man's co-pundit Rio Ferdinand had this to say: " Phillips has the license to run when Rice sits behind and he has been dangerous in that."
It was strange viewing at times, witnessing Phillips push forward in positions typically synonymous with Mateusz Klich at Elland Road.
The fact he demonstrated his versatility in the No. 14 shirt suggests Gareth Southgate may have stumbled across a tactical tweak he can put to good use in future.
Phillips' role in Raheem Sterling's opening goal, laying on a threaded assist, was no less than he deserved from a tremendous hour of football.
