Todd Cantwell believes John Eustace is getting the most out of every Blackburn Rovers player as they continue to thrive in the Championship after five successive wins.
Rovers have defied expectations in the division and sit far closer to the play-offs than the bottom three after 19 league outings. They are on their best run in the league for three years.
Considering the team stayed up on the last day of the season and lost their top goal-scorer, Eustace has elevated the team's levels above what many anticipated.
That has come by being a collective, with the likes of Todd Cantwell adding a sprinkling of quality to complement the industry of others.
Results have injected belief into the group that they can compete for a top-six berth whilst the role of Eustace can't go unrecognised.
Cantwell left Rangers having not seen eye-to-eye with their manager on the tactical side of the game. At Rovers, he is relishing working with Eustace, who has ensured players have a platform to be the best versions of themselves.
"I don't think you can be successful without everyone being together," he said.
"The manager was here before I arrived but you could tell there was clarity behind his expectations of what we can do and what we should expect from ourselves.
"I joined a team that found points in the last few games to stay in the league. I think it's results like this run that gives people the belief they need to see we're serious. We have players that can help us get there.
"This season, more than most, it feels open. The opportunity is there for us and we have to believe and have confidence to ensure we can get in there if we push hard enough.
"He's a brilliant man-manager. You can talk for ages about tactics but in football, it's a game of opinions.
"Someone might think different things but I can't fault the gaffer in any way for how he is as a person. It goes a long way, especially with the career I've had so far, to be around someone that you trust and believe.
"I touched on the happiness, if you're happy in your workplace, as a footballer or a hairdresser, it doesn't matter, you'll show the best version of yourself. That's something that the manager gets out of people without knowing he's doing it.
"He might know, he might be an incredibly intelligent man! But I have loved every minute, he's given me all the belief and confidence, maybe I didn't need it as I am quite confident, but he's bringing out a nice side of me."
Cantwell came into the team playing narrow off the left but has looked at home in the number 10 role in Rovers' recent run of form. It's a role that is seen as a free one but also requires discipline off the ball.
The 26-year-old has been viewed as luxury players in the past but he believes he is shedding the tag of someone who can't work hard.
Whilst he will admit to being happiest with the ball, he also realises how important it is for him to be adaptable and learn different skills as he approaches his peak age.
"I think the manager has given me freedom which makes it a very important position," he conceded.
"I don't think you can have lots of positions or players that do their own thing. I am a license player to a degree but the manager expects me to work hard and it is a big job off the ball.
"If I can do the off-the-ball side, I can enjoy having the ball. I hope I will keep getting better in that position.
"Behind every good team, you need players that are talisman. Ones that can create something from nothing or you can count on. I have been that player at different places but you can't do it without having a good team around you.
"You need people pulling in the same direction. If you put the best player in the league with a group that only cares about themselves, he can't show the best side of himself.
"If I keep improving it will be because of the team and they allow me play how I want. But I also think I'm earning that right by showing I want to work for the team.
"I think if I'm being really picky, my game is suited to teams that really dominate the ball but it's really important I learn to do both sides of the game.
"This is big for my career, I am at an age where I need to learn other aspects. It's a very important part of my journey."
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