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Anthony Gordon was called upon to fill the void in Newcastle's first match of the new season - a space left by the unsettled striker Alexander Isak, and he did so with complete dedication to the club.
Meanwhile, Isak continues to train solo and is no closer to rejoining Newcastle's squad as he seeks to engineer a move to Liverpool. A year ago, Liverpool was pursuing Gordon - and the winger, understandably intrigued by the prospect of joining his boyhood club, became sidetracked by the saga.
However, the England international never caused any trouble - he continued to train and was prepared to play for the club that pays his wages - a stark contrast to Isak.
The Swedish striker took to social media on Tuesday to publicly express his wish to leave, while also accusing the club of "broken promises."
Much like with Isak, it's not the desire to move to Liverpool that irks Newcastle's fans, but rather the manner in which an exit - or the desire for one - is handled, particularly if a player goes on strike.
Gordon remained loyal to Newcastle throughout last summer and is now leading the line in a position where he may not be at his best, but is giving everything for the Magpies.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, host Andrew Musgrove believes Isak could have learned from Gordon's handling of a summer filled with speculation, which reportedly culminated in a £75 million ($101.2 million) bid being considered.
"The point on Anthony Gordon is that he's the prime example that Alexander Isak should have followed when it comes to a speculative summer - you know, will he or won't he be a Newcastle United player?" said Musgrove.
"That was what we had to deal with last summer. Of course, Gordon would have been interested in a move to Liverpool.
"Not only can you win things, he's from the area, and reportedly a boyhood fan.
"Yes, he was distracted and yes, he took a little while to get back to his best, but he never downed tools.
"Who is to say the interest was as far along as it is with Alexander Isak, but the point being is he could have forced something, but he didn't, and look at him now.
"He's the shining example of how to be the ultimate professional.
"The bottom line is that while he's got that shirt on his heart, he's giving his all, and that's more than can be said for Alexander Isak."
You can catch the full episode of 'The Monday Show' on The Everything is Black and White Podcast by clicking here, or click here to listen to it.
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