A number of international supporters have turned to social media to express their awe at the performance of rarely seen Manchester City man Fabian Delph after he appeared for England in their 2-1 win against Croatia on Sunday.
The Three Lions welcomed their Nations League rivals to Wembley in a crunch clash where the result would determine not only the fate of both sides but that of third team in their group Spain, with a whole host of varying possibilities dependant on the result.
One man who evidently caught the eye of spectators was rarely-seen Manchester City man Delph, who has just six appearances, four coming in the starting XI, to his name for his club this season, as they were left raving over what they saw from the 28-year-old on Twitter in his 72 minutes of game time.
COMMENTARY
Delph might not be a regular at the Etihad Stadium but he certainly impressed in a rare start – coming for his country instead of his club – on Sunday afternoon. He has often been played as a left back by City boss Pep Guardiola, filling in as a makeshift, albeit reliable, option in defence, but Gareth Southgate obviously feels he still has plenty to offer in the middle of the park. His passing range was on full show with a variety of impressive balls both on the ground and over the top for the likes of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, and there will have been plenty of supporters who would like that sort of talent at their own clubs. Still, he is stuck on the fringes of City and that does not look like changing too much any time soon – although perhaps Benjamin Mendy’s injury blow before the international break will see him return on the left of the defence. Is that where he plays best? These fans would perhaps argue not.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
How good is Fabian Delph ??
— BG (@bengamblen) November 18, 2018
Delph is a better player than Henderson. Should be starting more often for England. #ENGCRO
— Alex Chattin (@AlexChattin) November 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/reemzstyle/status/1064160263023312897
Fabian delph is so underrated it’s unreal
— Sam Scattergood (@samscatt7) November 18, 2018
Delph is world class
— ? (@LucasMCFC_) November 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Ben_Lowndes/status/1064159989021978629
Delph been MOTM by a mile though
— Riley???????????????????????????? (@RCWHU) November 18, 2018
Are you honestly saying Delph hasn’t been creative? He’s ran the show ??
— BR (@benrelton) November 18, 2018