Preston North End defender Alvaro Fernandez had a tough outing against Blackpool but will hopefully be all the better for it.
Ryan Lowe named his starting lineup for the trip to Bloomfield Road and nobody was surprised when Fernandez was in the team.
Robbie Brady started the season as North End’s left wing back but Fernandez has taken over in style.
The Manchester United loanee impressed with his attacking ability and gave PNE a real threat down the left flank.
This was pretty much the biggest game of Fernandez’s young career though.
The 19-year-old has been in the ranks of some big clubs – Real Madrid, Manchester United, even Deportivo La Coruna.
Actually starting and playing in a big local derby is another experience entirely though.
It can be a lot for a youngster and that’s how it felt with Fernandez.
Jerry Yates opened the scoring for Blackpool and Fernandez was possibly at fault.
Yates was stationed behind Fernandez before the Blackpool free kick was even taken, and whilst he was getting back in, Yates just had the run on him and headed past Freddie Woodman.
Fernandez also picked up the first booking of the game on 27 minutes and was walking something of a tightrope from that point on.
There were signs of Fernandez’s attacking qualities – two key passes, one shot on goal – but this game highlighted that he still needs some defensive work.
Fernandez only turns 20 in March and these games are ultimately why Manchester United have loaned him out.
They want Fernandez to experience the highs and lows of men’s football, the rough and tumble of Championship action, the pain that comes with losing a derby.
When young players come on loan, they’re effectively with you to make mistakes and learn for their parent clubs down the line.
Fernandez will have learned so much from Saturday’s game, about playing in a big occasions and not switching off at key moments.
North End will take the rough with the smooth here and appreciate his inexperience, with PNE and United no doubt hoping that he will be better for this testing outing.