(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
So finally we are starting to see what David Moyes paid as much for NikolaVlasic as he did for Said Benrahma…£27 million.
It’s easy to doubt but on this occasion I have had none about the Croatian since he first arrived at the club.
And today, with the brilliant Manu Lanzini pulling all the strings behind him, he showed exactly what he’s about.
And as a result the departed Benrahma – currently at the African Nations Cup tournament – may have plenty of reasons for worry.
Jesse Lingard too may be close to seeing any hopes he may have of a London Stadium return bite the dust if the No 11 continues to improve at the rate he is showing during January.
Gonzo summed it up in his ratings declaring that he brought balance to the team. With Bowen on the right and him on the left you have two typical Moyes players whose energy levels and ability to find a way through the tightest situations is outstanding.
He may not be a creator but his ability to find a man when surrounded by defenders and keep things going is excellent and I see this lad becoming a really strong presence as the weeks tick by.
He looks to have joined Bowen and Antonio as one of those players who won’t give up on any ball or situation however tight – another very good buy by the boss.
Yes Hughie a real asset and excellent at close control in tight areas, and very direct. Those three plus Mikey were a real handful for Leeds today. Shame he was subbed as he is a confidence player, but Fornals also fits the mould and deserved a run.
That’s exactly how I see it. Vlasic very much in the Bowen mould and it is like having another Bowen on the left. I see it as Vlasic or Fornals though on the left and then a choice between Benrahma or Lanzini in the middle.