THERE was absolutely no shame in Nathaniel Atkinson getting a bit of a runaround from Kylian Mbappe in the World Cup the other night.
After all, if one of the world's top three players is performing at the top of his game, there's no right-back on the planet who can live with him.
And the young Hearts defender stuck to his task brilliantly for Australia.
I really liked Atkinson's honesty when he spoke about the experience later.
No hiding, no whining, just an acceptance that when a guy like Mbappe is on the song, there's not much a mere mortal can do other than dance to his tune.
I know, I've been there on more than a couple of occasions.
While at the time it seemed like hell, chasing shadows that were there one second and gone the next, you look back on it with a sense of satisfaction you have reached a level where you are on the same pitch as some of the very best the game has to offer.
My first taste of it came as a raw teenager, thrown into a Chelsea reserve game against a West Ham side who had Joe Cole and Michael Carrick up against me in the middle of the park.
この記事は Daily Record の November 25, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Daily Record の November 25, 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Alarmed & dangerous
Gers stars got a rude awakening from the bells but it kept us sharp for the Lovenkrands final says Ibrox hero Art
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON?
Mjallby insists idea Bren was not a good fit beggars belief
Take me to Eur leader
Carver says return of top pro McGregor is perfect boost after losing Scots trio
I don't want Highlands to go low
Cowie desperate to stay up after seeing rivals ICT plummet into League One
It won't be a problem Léven the gaffer's office
Peter's happy to hand Thelin reins
Lightning chain reaction
Book describes horror injuries suffered while out jogging
Turning problem plant into gin is just the tonic
How invasive species is harvested to make brightly coloured booze
Oona's on top of the world
Mum’s delight as plucky daughter finally gets to scale Arthur’s Seat
TELL ME WHY
Widow’s plea to disgraced Post Office boss
Mauled to death by her own dogs
Family begged tragic mum to ditch pet XL bullies that killed her