Todd Cantwell was a clear man of the match for Rangers against Celtic on Saturday and not just for his opening goal.
The reported £1.5m spent on the former Norwich City midfielder is already looking like a bargain.
What set Todd Cantwell apart from a team that had no failures and a host of excellent performances was epitomised in one 30 second clip.
Tormenting reported £3.75m Celtic left-back Alexandro Bernabai – who had a torrid afternoon – Cantwell twice won possession before setting off down the line.
Bernabai and Reo Hatate were then left in the 24-year old’s wake as he backheeled his way through the smallest of gaps, drawing a foul from the Argentinian.
This is the sort of difference that elite players make.
From the resulting free-kick, Rangers won a corner, which was headed out for another on the opposite side.
John Souttar then scored Rangers second goal of the afternoon from James Tavernier’s delivery and the rest is history.
Todd Cantwell is more than a flair player for Rangers
Todd Cantwell didn’t have to work as hard to win the ball back, he could also have tried to win a throw in when he realised he was outnumbered.
Special players do special things though and the former £50m rated Premier League star put on a display that is an exciting sign for things to come.
Cantwell set the tone for the whole team, he organised Rabbi Matondo and Fashion Sakala in the forward line, assisted the midfield in crowding out Callum McGregor and produced the moment of magic when it was needed.
It was Cantwell that clipped the ball wide for Sakala to lay the ball off to John Lundstram to have an attempt at goal.
Too many of our midfielders in the past would then stop and admire their pass whereas Cantwell gambled and broke into the box.
A stunning finish just rewards for his efforts.
Michael Beale needs to build his team around Todd Cantwell, whether that is in the front three or in a deeper position, it doesn’t really matter, he’s that good.
