If the jury was out on Wout Weghorst at Manchester United, then his performance on Wednesday night might have been a pivotal swing.
The Dutchman put in arguably his finest display since joining the club on loan in the January transfer window and played a key role in their comeback victory over West Ham.
Weghorst's presence in the box forced Nayef Aguerd to put the ball into his own net for the equalising goal, and he was influential in the two goals that followed as well. It was his initial effort that was blocked to set up Alejandro Garnacho's winner, and it was his persistent pressing that won the ball back for Fred to finish the scoring.
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"I think he was one of the best players on the pitch," Ten Hag said. "He understands positioning in and out of possession, and he is doing a really good job for the team."
There is an element of Fred about Weghorst, in that he is not one of the most technically gifted players on the team, but he makes up for it with his commitment to the cause.
The success of both players in recent weeks also proves that having 11 technically gifted players does not necessarily make for a successful side, with the right balance of personalities and individual traits needed.
It is particularly of interest as United draw up plans for the summer transfer window, with a new striker the priority.
Ten Hag revealed earlier this week that it is too early to decide if they will try to keep Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer beyond their current loan spells. United do not have an option or an obligation to sign either player as part of the current agreements.
Weghorst has started in all 13 games for which he has been available, as well as both legs against Barcelona and the Carabao Cup final last weekend.
It is clear that the United manager has a lot of love for his compatriot up top, and his impact could well influence the type of striker pursued at the end of the season.
Ten Hag previously stated that his side played their 'best' football when Anthony Martial was in the line-up, though recent results have proved that they are just as effective with a more physical presence up front.
What is clear is that the striker United sign this summer must not only have a goal-scoring eye like Martial, but also the pressing ability of Weghorst.
It feels like they are on the right track with their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Tottenham talisman Harry Kane. Both players are lethal in front of goal, but they also offer so much more with regard to their mobility and link-up play in the final third.
Ten Hag has also been impressed by Benfica forward Gonçalo Ramos and believes Ajax frontman Mohammed Kudus has the attributes to excel in the Premier League.
It still remains to be seen who exactly United pursue in the summer, though it seems clear that they already know the blueprint of the type of striker it should be.
Weghorst might not be the answer; but he can help them find it.
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