Perhaps a view held only by me, but I cannot shake the feeling that our season has hinged on the emergence and unwarranted omission of this young man.
Outstanding when called upon, resolute in defence and brilliant in possession, he has provided the perfect complimentary piece to Van Dijk in both style and character.
Discarded on account a single error in favour of a more "illustrious and reputable" colleague, how dearly his absence has cost us...
He is our future, he is the future - the next in the lineage of outstanding ball playing centre-backs that have reaped acclaim and award throughout the history of English football. The sooner we embrace that the better.
The past ended at 4:00 PM this afternoon, with a barely audible whimper.
The future starts now.