Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara was a big factor as Finland recorded a Euro 2020 Qualifying victory over Greece on Thursday evening.
The 23-year-old didn’t have the best of outings in Sunday’s Old Firm. He was something of a surprise inclusion in the XI and while he showed glimpses of quality, he failed to get a grip on proceedings and was replaced at half-time.
It was a different story in Tampere four days later, though.
The ex-Dundee player started in central midfield alongside skipper Tim Sparv, who was a rival at club level only a few weeks ago, when the Gers came up against FC Midtjylland in Europa League Qualifying.
Rangers midfielder Kamara impresses for Finland
It was Kamara who ran the show, though, just as he did during the previous set of international fixtures back in June.
Just one goal separated the sides on the night, but unsurprisingly, he played a big part in it.
Receiving the ball in space in the left corner of the box, he swivelled in a flash and was blatantly fouled by a surprised Greek defender. A penalty was awarded and prolific Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki, slotted home what would prove to be the winner.
Remarkably, that’s now four wins in five for Finland, who are second in Group J behind Italy, but five points clear of third-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As is now par for the course when he plays for the national team, Kamara’s performance drew plenty of praise on social media. One individual reported his personal stats for the fixture, and although unverified, they are those of an extremely accomplished midfielder.
A complete performance then from Kamara, who showed his effectiveness as a shield for the back four, and in attack.
Let’s hope that after Sunday’s huge encounter against Italy, he brings some of that form back to Ibrox.
Here’s a selection of further reactions to his display from Twitter (some Tweet translation is required, but it’s worth it to see how highly he’s rated!):
https://twitter.com/MareValtonen/status/1169768388190773249
https://twitter.com/mikkikauste/status/1169715799495532549
https://twitter.com/villecantell/status/1169864706787442688
https://twitter.com/Ftbltalents/status/1169713730906710016
