FOR Timo Werner, it was another day at the office.
But for RB Leipzig, it might be the day that confirmed their star man was No1 on plenty of Premier League summer wishlists.
In his and his club’s first competitive game against English opposition, he proved he has exactly what it takes to cut it on these shores.
And not just cut it, but excel.
It is Werner’s goal – his 26th of the season – that means Tottenham have it all to do when they head back to Germany in three weeks’ time, arrowing his ice-cool penalty just before the hour into the bottom corner beyond Hugo Lloris.
However, it was not just his goal that abolished any doubts some may have had.
Werner’s positioning, pressing, physicality, link-up play and nifty turn of pace mean he ticks plenty of the boxes that have reportedly got the likes of Frank Lampard and Jurgen Klopp considering making moves when the transfer window reopens.
Asked about the links with champions-elect Liverpool, Werner said: “Liverpool are the best team in the world at the moment, and when you’re linked with that team it makes me very proud.
“It’s a pleasure but I know Liverpool play a lot of good players and I have to improve myself and to learn much more things to get on this level to play there.”
Barely 90 seconds were on the clock and the German had already seen two good chances come his way.
The first, a sweep goalwards that Davinson Sanchez did well to block before Angelino saw his follow-up effort ricochet off the post via Lloris’ leg.
And then as the ball was recycled, Werner got across the front post but his shot was blocked by the Spurs keeper.
That was the warning sign.
But having a warning sign is one thing, being able to stop it is another.
With Julian Nagelsmann setting up his team with two attacking wing-backs in Nordi Mukiele and Angelino, it allowed Werner and Christopher Nkunku to drift in-field and play closer to the striker, Patrik Schick, overloading the centre-backs.
Mikel Arteta has tried it in recent weeks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang coming in off the left with varying degrees of success.
Klopp would surely be licking his lips at the idea of Andy Robertson and Werner linking up down the left, not that Sadio Mane is a bad option on that side already.
Werner’s ability to drift in and out of the channel, pick up the ball and push defenders back was on display time and time again in the first half as he won corners when turning Sanchez and then later forcing Lloris into another side as he just struggled to get the ball out of his feet before a weak finish.
His movement in and around the box caused carnage, especially in those opening seconds.
Arguably, though, the moment that really made him stand out was – ironically – not one of his touches at all.
As Angelino had acres of space down the left just five minutes after the goal, he slid in Werner.
But with defenders surrounding him, the 23-year-old showed maturity and sheer unteachable ingenuity to dummy the ball, allowing it to run freely for the unmarked Schick.
Subtle, deceptive and so very effective – it was a shame for Werner his team-mate could not apply the finishing touch which would have made it 2-0 and could have potentially put the tie to bed.
Werner managed to sell the Spurs defenders all ends up with one piece of quick thinking.
Now plenty of Premier League clubs will be hoping they can somehow convince RB Leipzig to sell – but they know it won’t be anywhere near as easy.
