"It's difficult to compare players across generations, but I think Jonny probably is the best defender Northern Ireland have ever had."
Fernando Torres could have been forgiven for wondering who the 18-year-old lining up against him for Northern Ireland was.
Plucked from the Under-21 squad by manager Lawrie Sanchez just days before, Jonny Evans had been thrust into his senior international debut against Spain at Windsor Park having not made an appearance for his club, Manchester United.
That September 2006 night in Belfast will forever be remembered by Northern Ireland fans for the landmark 3-2 win over a team that would go on to win a World Cup and back-to-back European Championships.