Newcastle reject Kevin Mbabu was in terrific form for his home nation of Switzerland on Sunday night, as he helped kick-start a stunning comeback against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.
Thorgan Hazard, younger brother of Eden, had scored two goals in 17 minutes for Belgium to take the lead in their group.
At 2-0 down, Switzerland’s future in the competition looked dead and buried.
Away goals in their head-to-head record with Belgium meant they were set to miss out on qualifying for the tournament finals.
Their only hope of progressing was to score four goals against the side ranked number one in the world.
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Unbelievably, they scored five.
It was a phenomenal comeback, and one that former Toon player Mbabu was very much involved in.
Mbabu vs Belgium
The full-back caused Belgium so many problems down the right flank and looked like he had found himself a goal in the 25th minute.
The ball fell to Mbabu in the six yard box, but he was brought down by midfielder Nacer Chadli, winning a penalty for his team.
The penalty was converted by Ricardo Rodriguez to make it 2-1, and the goals continued to flow thereafter.
Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovic were very much the inspiration, the latter scoring a hat-trick and the former getting three assists.
But just as he’d started the comeback, Mbabu was also there to provide the icing on the cake.
The defender combined with Shaqiri on the right wing before delivering a beautiful cross for Seferovic to head home to make it 5-2.
His performance had Newcastle fans talking, many now wondering why Rafa Benitez sold the promising youngster.
Mbabu on Tyneside
Signing for Newcastle at 18 in 2013, Mbabu rarely got a chance to shine.
He only made two starts in the Premier League during Steve McClaren’s tenure in 2015, and also managed one substitute appearance versus Bournemouth.
The 2015/2016 season was also largely hampered by injuries for the defender. A case of bad timing considering he was starting to break into the first team.
He had particularly impressed on his debut against Chelsea in a 2-2 draw.
But the defender never really got the chance to replicate such form.
He was loaned out to Swiss side BSC Young Boys after Newcastle were relegated to the Championship, before moving there permanently last season.
He has performed well for his new club since and has even played in the Champions League this year, impressing against Manchester United in the group stages.
What is particularly frustrating for Newcastle fans is that they are in desperate need of left-back cover this season.
But given his recent displays for club and country, Mbabu would not be providing cover for Paul Dummett, but likely replacing him in the side.
It’s left supporters once again flummoxed as to the logic behind the club’s recent transfer dealings.