Steven Davis should be spoken about in the same terms as Cristiano Ronaldo because of his contribution to the Northern Ireland national side, according to manager Michael O’Neill.
The Rangers midfielder will become his country’s most capped outfield player should he feature in the Euro 2020 qualifier against Germany on Monday evening, amassing his 113th cap.
And O’Neill has been eager to emphasise just how important he is to his country.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, he said: “Any player who amasses over a hundred caps at international level is a fantastic role model for all footballers.
“Steven deserves to be talked about in those terms. He’s still as good at this level as he was when I took over seven years ago.
“He’s had a magnificent career at both club and international level.”
How good is Davis?
While it might be a stretch to suggest that Davis is on the same level as multiple Ballon d’Or winning superhuman Cristiano Ronaldo, you can see the point that O’Neill is driving at here.
113 caps is a seismic achievement, regardless of which nation you represent or where you ply your trade in the domestic game.
Davis is a veteran these days, but he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, and that is particularly true of his contribution for his national side.
During the inaugural UEFA Nations League last season, for example, he averaged two shots, 1.5 key passes, and 1.3 successful dribbles per game, as per Whoscored.
The 34-year-old also chipped in with 1.3 tackles and 1.3 clearances per game too, and it is clear that he is still the central midfield dynamo that he has been for years in the green of his country.
How important is he for Rangers?
Even now, at the age of 34 and with a multitude of options for Steven Gerrard to choose from, Davis has an integral role to play in this Gers side.
He has already made four appearances in the Scottish Premiership so far this term, and was entrusted with a starting berth in the first Old Firm of the season.
As an experienced presence in the centre of the park, it is clear that Gerrard is hugely fond of Davis, and while he may not be a nailed on starter every week, you would expect him to feature more often than not this season.