“The Premier League is very physical, it seems custom-made for him. Michael is proving he fits perfectly. It’s early, but if he continues like this, something important will arrive for him,” Vigorelli told TuttoMercatoWeb.

Meanwhile, fans at home see more than just potential, they see a ready-made fit for the Super Eagles’ evolving backline. One commenter, @ricch_4l_ade, captured the growing sentiment: “Kayode Delap… this guy’s throw-in is a threat.”

If the momentum online is any indication, the Brentford defender’s next international decision could see him don the green and white of Nigeria sooner than expected.

It would be a remarkable coup, with Nigeria already boasting an impressive legacy of left-sided defenders, including Augustine Eguavoen, Celestine Babayaro, Ben Iroha, Ifeanyi Udeze, Taye Taiwo, Efe Ambrose and presently Ola Aina.