OMAR Mascarell made only his second start and completed his first 90 minutes for Derby County in the Capital One Cup victory over Reading.
Jordan Ibe's lively display, Ryan Shotton's performance at centre-back and Kelle Roos' debut in goal were all topics of discussion after the game but Mascarell deserves a mention.
He was quietly effective, just as a midfielder in the holding role should be.
He got on the ball, passed it crisply and broke up play.
The position is about offering the team control, a platform from which to perform.
Rams head coach Steve McClaren described Mascarell as the "unsung hero" of Derby's performance.
"Omar was excellent. He gave us a platform from which to play. He sat and broke up a lot of attacks with interceptions and used the ball so well. His passing is so good," said McClaren.
Derby do not sign a player from Real Madrid every day, so the fanfare that greeted Mascarell's arrival was understandable but, at 19, he was always likely to need time to settle into a completely new environment.
He appeared as a substitute in the first three League games of the season, against Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic without really stamping a mark.
"We threw him in early a couple of times and he wasn't ready but he is developing," said McClaren.
"He is a great boy, a great trainer, and he has a fantastic attitude.
"The likes of Omar and (young Spanish attacking midfielder) Ivan Calero have great attitudes and good ability."
In many ways it was no surprise to see Mascarell produce his best performance to date.
He will be feeling at home more and more as the weeks go by.
He will also be understanding more and more about what Derby want from him, about the team's style of play and also what the Championship holds in store.
His display against Reading should boost his belief.
When we will next see Mascarell start is down to McClaren.
John Eustace's experience in the position has been telling in an unbeaten run of seven matches. Eustace has started the last five League fixtures, of which Derby have won two and drawn three.
They have beaten Fulham and Blackburn Rovers, and drawn with Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City.
