Ross McCrorie was pushed forward into midfield for Rangers in their 3-0 Scottish Premiership win against Aberdeen – and fans on Twitter were completely blown away by his performance.
The academy product, 19, was deployed as the anchorman in a midfield diamond instead of his usual centre-back position as Graeme Murty revamped his team for the Ibrox showdown.
It reaped dividends as McCrorie showed fantastic maturity and composure in new role as the defensive shield in front of the recalled Bruno Alves and Danny Wilson.
McCrorie is comfortable in the position having played there on a number of occasions for the youth team – including also once off the bench in a first-team game – and outshone his team-mates in a convincing win for the Gers.
Two goals from James Tavernier and a Carlos Pena strike sealed a comprehensive win for Graeme Murty’s side in the first of two games against Aberdeen this week.
The Gers travel to Pittodrie on Sunday afternoon and could leapfrog the Dons in second-place in the Scottish Premiership with three points in the lunchtime clash.
Fans were hugely impressed with McCrorie’s performance against the Dons, with one delighted supporter comparing him to recently retired all-time midfield great Andrea Pirlo.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Best I’ve seen I a while, hopefully the sane again on sunday. McCrorie played a belter last night.
— Jambo WATP 72 (@jamiea780) November 30, 2017
Ross McCrorie was superb as the holding midfielder in that diamond but big Bruno made the difference in that back line
— Rab McNaught (@RABMC97) November 30, 2017
Ross McCrorie played like Pirlo tonight
— TRBlue1872 (@TRBlue1872) November 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/ScottCarballo/status/936000342491303936
Thought Ross McCrorie played brilliant in the middle of the park the night! Ryan Jack was different gravy, shows what a bit of passion and fight does for you ????
— William Millar (@Williamrfc1872) November 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/steven_harrigan/status/935999287066087425
Enjoyed that tonight. Solid hard working performance, exactly what was needed. McCrorie & Jack excellent in midfield. Windass much more effective as threat in behind up top. Best full game I’ve seen from him. More of the same on Sunday please…
— John Bell (@bluejbell) November 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/alistercol/status/935998522318520320
https://twitter.com/StuartBlack91/status/935997757201973248
https://twitter.com/1872joe/status/935997274861244417