Barry Johnston believes Glentoran have found a solution to their "soft underbelly" with the signing of James Singleton during the summer.
Singleton has thrived in a central midfield role with the Glens this season to help Mick McDermott's men surge to the top of the Premiership.
The early signs are promising as Glentoran look to claim a first league title since 2009, and Lisburn Distillery boss Johnston says time will tell if they can mount a genuine challenge.
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And with former Glenavon captain Singleton in an anchor role, he believes the Oval outfit look a more complete side.
Johnston told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast: "I chatted to Mick after we played them in the County Antrim Shield and he said when he came into the job a couple of years ago he just signed everyone and anyone to raise the profile of his club.
"I think Mick can be more meticulous in his signings now. He has got a really good squad, but he knows where he needs to strengthen.
"We all knew they had a soft underbelly in midfield and that was their weak point. But they have brought James Singleton in, and I have to say I never thought centre midfield would be the area where he would be most effective.
"So fair play to Mick and Windy (Paul Millar), He has been outstanding in midfield. Most people look at defensive midfielders and just see someone like Chris Shields, a big unit who is good on the ball, reads the game well and gets stuck in.
"Singleton has a bit more energy about him but never leaves that area empty. He is always in the right place at the right time and I think that's a real, important position for Glentoran, especially when they commit so many players forward.
"Also, Bobby Burns has been able to come in from left-back to centre midfield when another player comes off, and he complements the other midfielders because he sits in and has a good range of passing.
"So you can see what Mick has done and he hasn't been as rash as previous seasons bringing in so many players. And the squad has a bit more unity because there aren't as many new faces.
"They are in a good place at the moment, and Mick has calmed down. You can see it."
Johnston also believes Glens boss McDermott has mellowed this season.
He added: "He is not as outspoken, and in the dugout he is keeping himself to himself and isn't getting involved with the referees. And he is controlling what he can control, and that's his team.
"But it is early days and they have massive games to come. Around Christmas time we will know how serious a contender they are.
"And if they are in the top spots then, you might see a couple of big signings coming in to bolster their squad for the second half of the season.
"We will see, but certainly Mick has done an outstanding job and the Glens are good value for being top at the minute."
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