I must admit that I am not surprised as the look on his face when playing at the moment is probably the happiest I have seen him.
How do you assess the enigma that is Nick Powell ?
His performance yesterday sort of sums it up, he is way ahead of anyone else on view. Some of the flicks and touches he produces are as good as it gets, in fact so good even his own team mates struggle to read them and fail to get on the end of them.
There is no doubt he has the technical ability to play at a higher level, my only concern would be his fitness. Once again we saw him leave the field apparently with a little muscle niggle. It makes me wonder if this is why he is still with us. Would a premier league manager have the same patience as Paul Cook. Would a premier league club seriously consider paying big money for a player who doesn't last a full match. There has been considerable discussion about his value during the window, some saying that he is worth as much as £15 million, but who will take the chance of a player that is likely to be sidelined for much of the season.
To us he is invaluable, priceless even, and working with Paul Cook seems to be the best thing for Nick. Hopefully all parties concerned realise this and can agree a suitable contract to benefit the player, the club and the supporters and we can all watch in awe as he leads us to the promised land in the next few seasons.
He is an enigma, but I believe Paul Cook is the code breaker that can solve the puzzle once and for all.