When Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko took to the field for France last night, he was an entirely different beast.
The 26-year-old's work rate was phenomenal, his running powerful and his commitment to the cause unquestionable - and it wound Magpies fans up to the 'N'th degree.
Because this is the player that they'd seen in small parts for United over the course of the disastrous 2015/2016 season, but come the advent of something Sissoko actually cared about, he was transformed.
Even when he was playing at his best, the powerhouse had a tendency to only be interested in going forward. During the home fixture against Norwich City, Sissoko assisted four goals, but his lack of defensive awareness cost two as well.
Against Germany on Thursday night he was the complete winger, and it was summed up when Sissoko won the ball off Julian Draxler near the corner flag, beat his man and then was chopped down to win a free kick. That never happened at St. James' Park.
It's been a common complaint from those who watch Newcastle on a regular basis that the Frenchman only turns up for the cameras, when scouts from bigger clubs might be watching - and this may be the ideal case-in-point.
Sissoko has been agitating for a move all summer, and Toon boss Rafa Benitez does not want to grant him one unless a buying side is willing to stump up a ridiculous amount of money. These performances could warrant that.
There have been more than a handful of footballers who have secured big moves on the back of an impressive performance in a major tournament, and St. James' Park owner Mike Ashley will be keen to play hardball and count his cash after any deal is done.
Of course, there could be another factor at play here. What if France manager Didier Deschamps has a skill that neither Alan Pardew, John Carver or Steve McClaren could muster. The know how about the best way to motivate Sissoko.
Benitez looked to be bringing the best out of the winger towards the end of the season, and perhaps that is why he is so keen to hang on to the player. Perhaps Benitez knows how to best motivate Sissoko, and his performances will reflect that going forward.
Or perhaps Sissoko just turns it on when he feels like it, and a big bucks move dangling in front of him is the only way to fully motivate the player.