World Cup 2026: What is behind Scott McTominay's understated start for Scotland?

The loss of Gilmour is a key point to consider when talking about McTominay's effectiveness.

Lewis Ferguson has been used instead, with the Bologna man arguably Scotland's best player across both games so far.

But, while he's been used more in a holding position, his licence to engage his energy to free up the likes of McTominay and McGinn is perhaps stifled.

This is something that changed late on against Morocco with the introduction of Kenny McLean on 71 minutes, which allowed Ferguson to roam.

Former Scotland international Leanne Crichton suggested: "I think we've played with bravery and quality and composure in flashes and, when that happens, I think that's where Scott McTominay's at his best.

"I think you can see his qualities, he's absolutely there.

"If Scott McTominay's been picked up and he's been marked and doubled up in certain moments, players are tracking those runs that he normally makes then it's up to other players around that to recognise and make better decisions with the ball.

"I think that's probably where we've fallen short in certain moments in the game."

Nevin added: "He's not a controller of games like that. Some of the best players in the world aren't that.

"In midfield, they are different things. And he's got a great specialism, which is a world-class specialism. But you need to be in a position to play for him to use that to his best.

"And we didn't really get into that position to do that because we weren't in the final third to do that.

"So I wouldn't be having any dig at Scott at all. He's doing a hard shift."