What more can you say about Preston midfielder Ali McCann?
The deadline day signing from St Johnstone has made a real impact in the heart of North End’s midfield.
Already nicknamed ‘Ali McKante’, McCann’s tireless and all-action displays in Preston’s engine room have earned huge praise.
It looks like McCann will fill the boots of Ben Pearson in Preston’s midfield, and he is already becoming a fan favourite at Deepdale.
McCann is one of a handful of players to leave North End over this international break in order to turn out for their countries.
The 21-year-old started for Northern Ireland against Italy on Monday night, helping the hosts to a shock 0-0 draw with the European champions.
McCann was up against Nicolo Barella, Jorginho and Sandro Tonali before Manuel Locatelli and Bryan Cristante came on, and he didn’t look out of place for a second.
Belfast Live gave McCann a 7/10 rating, stating that he put in a ‘tireless’ performance and played with maturity beyond his years.
The Belfast Telegraph also called McCann ‘tireless’, even if he couldn’t unlock the Italian defence.
Fans have taken to Twitter to rave about McCann, noting that he kept Chelsea star Jorginho in his back pocket throughout.
McCann is a star for his country and looks set for a key role at Preston for a long time to come.