Some of the most obvious realizations occurred around player personnel and the emergence, or re-emergence, of a number for talented options. Perhaps the most profound development came in the way of Jonathan David, who has been an absolute revelation for his domestic club, Belgium’s KAA Gent. David registered 12 goals for Gent in his first professional season – spending a bulk of the campaign coming off the bench. One of the first things you notice watching David is his ability to ghost into prime positions in the box. He rarely, if ever, scores from outside the area, and has a knack for going undetected. What is more, he can score with both feet and his head making him supremely comfortable in front of goal. For Herdman, David gives him another option up front either through the middle, or on the left. Additionally, Lucas Cavallini re-established himself as Canada’s number one option at centre forward. Cyle Larin’s lack of game time since joining Besiktas opened the door for Cavallini, who has enjoyed a wonderful season at Puebla – notching 11 goals. Finally, Mark-Anthony Kaye’s development into a versatile midfielder for MLS’s best team, LAFC, has landed Canada even more depth in the middle of the park. Kaye is brilliant shifting around midfield, dropping deep to develop/break-up play, as well as getting higher and feathering through balls – he is an absolute joy to watch in LA’s system and his three goals and five assists in 15 games highlights his ability.