The work Eddie Howe has done on the training pitch at Newcastle United is just as important as the signings he has been able to make during his time in charge.
Clearly, dissenting voices will always point to the fact Howe has been backed by PIF but, frankly, that does little to explain the rapid-fire improvements the players he inherited have made under his watch.
Joelinton, after all, was transformed into a dynamic central midfielder even before Howe had the luxury of a transfer window while Fabian Schar and Joe Willock enjoyed a similar process.
For so long, reports coming out of Benton centred around bust-ups. Finally, there are some positive noises around what training is like.
Sean Longstaff praises Elliot Anderson
Indeed, that has continued thanks to Sean Longstaff.
The hometown hero knows all about working your way up the ranks at your boyhood club and has praised fellow local lad Elliot Anderson.
Howe has slowly bedded the 20-year-old into during his first season as a genuine first-team option and Anderson enjoyed arguably his best performance to date during Friday’s win over Nottingham Forest.
Brought on for Allan Saint-Maximin at half-time, the Scotland U21 international saw a goal controversially ruled out but impressed to the extent that team captain Kieran Trippier predicted a “massive future” in the game for him.
Now, Longstaff has followed suit, telling The Chronicle: “Yeah I was so happy for Elliot, he changed the game for us when he came on and was outstanding.
“He’s been like that everyday in training to be honest. Behind the scenes that’s what he’s like.
“I felt so bad when his goal got chalked off because it was me offside. I don’t really know what I was meant to do though!
“I was gutted for him. I said to him this is why you work so hard behind the scenes because there will be a moment where we need you.”
A breakthrough for Anderson
With Newcastle struggling for attacking impetus in recent months, it’s promising to see Anderson having an impact in Premier League games.
Cleary, there will be harder tests than Forest to come but to have an option capable of adding more attacking drive on the bench could be crucial during the run-in.
Anderson has had to wait for his chance but he certainly appeared to take it with both hands on Friday.