If big clubs in world football weren't already looking at Jordan Bos, they certainly will be now.
The Socceroos sensation played out of position against Paraguay - and was arguably the best player on the field in the 0-0 draw that sealed Australia's place in the round of 32 at the World Cup.
With Jacob Italiano (groin) injured, coach Tony Popovic moved Bos to right wing-back on Thursday (Friday AEST) - after two training sessions in the role - with Aziz Behich playing on the left.
The daring Melburnian was sensational, causing havoc on the right flank, consistently cutting on to his left, combining with left-footed winger Cristian Volpato and threatening the goal.
It was a performance - bursting down the right, then cutting on to a dominant left foot - that evoked memories of Feyenoord star Bos's personal hero, Dutch legend Arjen Robben.
"I tried. Unfortunately I didn't score like him, but I tried my hardest," Bos said.
Bos has also earned comparisons to Gareth Bale, while teammate Ajdin Hrustic joked he had started calling the defender Dani Alves, after the former Brazil right-back.
"I don't mind Bale, to be honest," Bos said.
Sassuolo winger Volpato relished linking up with Bos, who appears certain to attract attention from clubs in Europe's top leagues.
"Jordy's a world-class player. He can go to any club he wants, I reckon, he's amazing. Sky's the limit," Volpato said.
Player of the match Aiden O'Neill felt the "unbelievable" Bos could have claimed that award ahead of him.
Attacker Nestory Irankunda delighted in the defender's "incredible" performance.
"Best player in the world, Jordy Bos, best wing-back in the world, and so talented," Irankunda said.
"But what a guy. And he might have to switch to a winger, in my opinion.
"He's done so well at right-back today, but he got so high up the pitch, and he showed glimpses of what he can do with the ball."
Coach Popovic said the Paraguay performance was Bos's best this World Cup, while midfield stalwart Jackson Irvine was in awe.
"Different level, hey? One of the best individual performances I've seen from a Socceroo in a very long time, especially at this level," Irvine said.
"Plays with absolute fearlessness, and the athleticism is something to be amazed by.
"We're very lucky to have him. He was fantastic today, especially doing a different job.
"It shows the level of player that he is, and there's still a ceiling left that hasn't been hit yet. The potential is incredible."
Captain Harry Souttar agreed, and is particularly taken with power athlete Bos's ability to keep making explosive runs late in games.
“He’s just an absolute athlete. I don’t want to sound strange here, but the guy’s body is unbelievable to look at," Souttar said.
Defender Milos Degenek added: "For me, he's the best left-back, (for) his age, without a question, but I would say he's in the top five in the world."
Asked how Bos stacked up at right-back, Degenek quipped: "Top 10. No, really, I think he's immaculate.
"With no disrespect to Aziz ... I think Jordy Bos is the best left-back that Australia has probably had in history."
