Nigel de Jong's first goal for Manchester City was entirely unremarkable, a low roller off a corner kick that weaved its way through a crowded box and nestled itself inside the far post. It was only the tenth minute, but the home crowd was roaring, bouncing so hard the TV cameras shook, and the stands seemed to sway beneath their feet.
It’s rare for supporters to sing your name after just your first goal for the club. Then again, it’s rare to take nearly a hundred games to do it.
Nigel de Jong will never look like Lionel Messi dribbling on goal, nor is he Andrea Pirlo spraying long balls 60 yards down the field.