Everton, despite their poor form, were blessed with a whole host of players sent out on international duty this week.
From Jordan Pickford to Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko, there were plenty of friendlies to be had and even a few European Championship qualifiers for the upcoming tournament this summer too.
However, it was a shock figure who dominated the praise from his national media, as one man rolled back the years to put in a fine showing against top Premier League opposition.
Forced to contend with Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku as Belgium sought to target the 35-year-old, it proved fruitful as Seamus Coleman kept them both silent in a fine 0-0 draw for the Republic of Ireland.
National media rave about Seamus Coleman
Whilst the Irish Examiner, Irish Independent and the Irish Mirror all agreed on their praise for Coleman, it was the Irish Times who arguably gave the most glowing review after the match.
After all, it was a performance worthy of such praise, especially given the lack of action the full-back has seen in recent months.
Having seen his season with Everton constantly blighted by injuries, he actually has started just two Premier League games thus far.
And in what was his first international cap in a year, he showed no signs of rust.
Journalist Gordon Manning wrote: ‘A throwback display of composure and leadership from Coleman, who seamlessly slotted back in as Ireland’s onfield general.
‘Coleman brings both calmness and intensity to Ireland’s play. Was tenacious in his battles with Leandro Trossard in the first half and Jérémy Doku in the second. Rating: 8’.
An answer to Sean Dyche’s big Everton problem
This return to form and fitness could come at the perfect time for Sean Dyche, who has been desperately searching for someone to stamp their claim on that right-back position.
Having finally moved on from persisting with Ashley Young in that role, the 52-year-old has recently settled on Ben Godfrey despite him being a natural centre-back.
It did succeed briefly, with his athleticism a useful asset for the Toffees, but his lack of intelligence in an unfamiliar position often left him positionally unaware and inept going forward.
And with Patterson clearly not in Dyche’s plans either, Coleman represented the perfect player who could blend solidity with some offensive impetus.
So, with this marking a stunning return to action, his reintegration within Everton’s starting side could offer the boost needed to lift them away from the relegation zone towards safety at last.