With each passing game, there is a growing sense that Cardiff City have a little gem on their hands in Jaden Philogene.
More accurately, actually, Aston Villa have a little gem on their hands.
It is not untrue to say that a large majority of City fans were left unconvinced by the winger's early-season performances, but he has turned that school of thought on its head and then some.
Over recent months, Philogene has been the most consistent and exciting attacking outlet Cardiff have had. His composure on the ball and his eye for a pass or a deft touch to unlock a defence really is pleasing on the eye. Some of his touches and fleetness of mind are reminiscent of an in-form Lee Tomlin of yesterday.
But he has the pace to back it up, too. Trickery and creativity come at a premium when you're shopping in the bargain bucket at the bottom of the Championship, but Cardiff being able to pick up Philogene has proven to be a roaring success - even after that looked to be far from the case at the beginning of the campaign.
He also has an eye for goal, too. During a season which has been painful on the goal front, Philogene stands second in the Bluebirds' scorers list on four. That, of course, would be five if the strike at Rotherham United at the weekend stood.
At 21, though, the former England youth international is hitting crunch time in his career. This summer is a vital one and his next step has to be right if he is to use this excellent loan stint with the Bluebirds as a springboard to bigger and better things, which, with some more application, he is likely bound for.
Rewind a year and similar things were being said about a certain Cody Drameh, the Bluebirds' reigning player of the year.
Drameh was a cut above after joining in last season's January transfer window. He was a revelation. Lightning-quick, athletic, intelligent, ability to cross and tackle in equal measure. The possibility that his following season would not be in the Premier League could hardly be countenanced.
But Leeds made a big error last summer. Drameh played one Premier League game, which Leeds lost 5-2 against Brentford, and Jesse Marsch bombed him out of the squad, meaning he played under-21s and cup football for the first half of the campaign.
It seemed such a waste. Drameh, like Philogene, is 21 and was at a crucial moment in his career. Half a season of regression, not playing competitive senior football, for someone with so much talent is criminal.
Cardiff were in for Drameh back in January, but the upheaval regarding the managerial situation - with Sabri Lamouchi having not been appointed at that stage - meant the Leeds defender opted for promotion-chasing Luton Town.
And quelle surprise, he has been the Hatters' best player since his move in January, at least according to WhoScored, who have given him a rating of 7.21, narrowly above former Bluebirds man Alfie Doughty whose performances have warranted a 714 rating.
Philogene is not the finished article. As one Bluebirds insider said to this reporter this week, "That boy can be anything he wants, but he's got to want it." The sky is seemingly the limit if he is managed properly.
He has one year left on his Aston Villa contract, but if reports in the Midlands are to be believed, Philogene could be on the chopping block as Unai Emery looks to clear the decks this summer.
If Villa look for another loan away, which appears unlikely given he has only a season left to run on his deal, then Cardiff will likely be sticking their hand up to have him back. If Villa look to sell, well, Cardiff could struggle on that front.
The Bluebirds are currently still unable to pay a fee for players due to an EFL embargo stipulation, although they are fighting to get that overturned and have written to the league's governing body in that regard.
But even so, someone like Philogene would likely command millions and whether Vincent Tan would sanction such a big deal in an era of austerity at Cardiff City appears unlikely.
For Philogene, though, his next step must be right for him. Given he appears unlikely to break into the first-team fray at Villa Park, he must go somewhere he is guaranteed football week in, week out, most likely in the Championship.
To see him sit on the bench or among the reserves for half a season, like Drameh did, would be a crying shame.
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