Liam Gibbs made for eye-catching viewing during David Wagner's Norwich City research prior to his appointment as head coach.
The 20-year-old stood out to the German and piqued his interest as he consumed hours of footage to gain an understanding of the group he was inheriting at Carrow Road.
Gibbs has been forced to be patient and even played in more advanced midfield roles due to the performances of duo Kenny McLean and Gabriel Sara but has grasped his opportunity with both hands following the Scot's season-ending knee injury.
During a productive Easter weekend for City, the 20-year-old was arguably the standout with two impressive performances first at Blackburn where he netted his first senior goal and then in a deeper midfield position during Monday's goalless draw with Rotherham.
His performances hit a level that even Wagner was not expecting and he was full of praise for the youngster during his press conference on Wednesday ahead of City's trip to Middlesbrough.
"Gibbsy was one of the most exciting players for me when I did my research on Norwich before I signed," Wagner admitted.
"I was not disappointed with what I had seen in training in the first few weeks. Unfortunately, he played in the position where Kenny McLean and Gabby (Sara) played very well and this is why he had to be very patient - which he was.
"He trained consistently on a very high level and I was always sure that he was capable of producing what he has done so far. That he has done it on this high a level, even I was not 100pc sure whether this could happen.
"He played on the number ten role at Blackburn and played very well and now in a deeper role (against Rotherham). This was where I had a doubt because it was a very physical game against a very direct team.
"Obviously, he is quite thin so not the most physical player but he is quick, mobile and very football intelligent. He used his strengths and played very well along with Gabby. This is another step in his development.
"We can be very happy that we have a talent like him and such a good brain in our football club. When the gap opened, he took the shirt and produced two very good performances. I hope he will continue this on Friday."
Gibbs has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Norwich this year after joining the club from rivals Ipswich Town back in 2021.
Liam Gibbs impressed during City's goalless draw with Rotherham United. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
The midfielder has made 29 Championship appearances under both Wagner and predecessor Dean Smith, who also rated the Bury St Edmunds born player highly.
Pressed on the details of what created so much excitement, Wagner expanded further.
"First of all, I thought he was unbelievably quick - which he is - he has a very good feeling to pass in between the lines and can break lines," City's boss said.
"He has a very good back foot turn and this is what I realised the more that I work with him. He has a very good football brain and he understands the game.
"He has legs and is an energetic player. There is a lot of space where he can improve as well. At this time he was 19 but he turned 20 a few weeks ago. He is very young, that is what excites me."
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