Lloyd Sam made his full MLS debut in New York Red Bull's 4-1 home win over Toronto FC on the weekend to critical acclaim.
The 27-year old former Charlton Athletic and Leeds United winger played 57 minutes as the Red Bulls came from behind thanks to the exploits of star man Thierry Henry who provided three assists and score one goal.
However, midfielders Dax McCarty and Tim Cahill played alongside Sam and feel he was just as important as the French ace.
"Lloyd was great. Other than No. 14 (Henry), I thought Lloyd was the Man of the Match for us. He just gives us a different dimension," said McCarty.
"He gives us athleticism, speed, the ability to go at players 1v1. He can change a game for us. He's a guy that gives us a change of pace. Certainly a little different from me out there, that's for damn sure."
Cahill added: "Great debut from Lloyd, which is what we needed: A bit of width.
"You see Thierry, Kenny (Cooper), myself, Joel (Lindpere) coming up the left; we were lining up trying to score goals. We were just trying to finish. It was a class night. We're coming good and there's a lot more class to show."
And Sam was happy to contribute in a midfield that made life very easy for him in his first start following a few cameos off the bench.
"I've been watching a lot of games and I've been looking at the midfield with Tim and Dax, and I'm going to get the ball all day, so I think that complements me being on the right and them in the middle. I enjoyed myself today when I was on the pitch," he said.
