Hector Herrera's role in Renan Lodi's goal for Atletico Madrid against Granada exemplified his importance to the side, as he is a like an extra pair of lungs in midfield.
He charged across the pitch before selflessly playing the ball to the young Brazilian for the goal.
The only blot on the Mexican midfield metronome's performance was the momentary lapse of concentration that allowed Granada's German Sanchez to rescue a point for the Andalusian side.
Despite this, Herrera's performance against Diego Martinez's side was possibly his finest display this season, as he won the ball back on 13 occasions, more than any other player in Diego Simeone's side thus far.
Indeed, the performance of the likes of Herrera in the absence of key men Thomas Partey and Saul Niguez demonstrated that the Argentine's squad has a decent amount of depth.
But Los Rojiblancos will need to develop more of a killer instinct if they are to turn draws into wins and pose a credible threat to both Barcelona and Real Madrid going forward.