For all the hype over Thailand's AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 quest being boosted by the arrivals of overseas-based stars Chanathip Songkrasin and Theerathon Bunmathan, it was a man who used to belong among that stellar cast who gave a timely reminder that he could still be pivotal.
Heading into Saturday's Group A clash with Myanmar, all the pre-match talk revolved around the belated arrivals of Thailand's star duo following the conclusion of their club commitments and how they would enhance the team's prospects of success.
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But it was Teerasil Dangda -- who once featured alongside Chanathip and Theerathon in Japan but has since returned to the Thai League 1 -- who emerged as the star of the show, bagging the opening two goals to send the War Elephants on their way to an impressive 4-0 win and having even spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to complete his hat-trick at the end.
Teerasil's double also saw him equal the tournament's all-time individual scoring record of 17 goals alongside Singapore legend Noh Alam Shah, and it seems only a matter of time before he claims the accolade outright with at least two games still to come.
Now 33, Teerasil no longer boasts the prolific scoring form he enjoyed in his younger days that made him Southeast Asia's deadliest forward, although his experience and the role he brings to the team remains a valuable commodity.
"Mui (Teerasil) is one of the best players I've coached. His quality is even clearer now that he's more experienced," said Thailand coach Alexandre Polking.
"I joke with him that he's not that young anymore but the quality remains. He's always in a good position to get the chances, can also play as the pivot striker and is just a clinical finisher."
Despite all that he has achieved, Teerasil has been known throughout his career for his humble demeanour and -- true to form -- he was quick to downplay his milestone achievement.
"Of course, I'm honoured to be sharing this record. I never thought I would hold it from the time I started playing in this competition in 2008," he said, when asked by ESPN about what the accolade means to him.
"It's not the most important thing however. The most important thing is we got the win because the target is of course to win the competition."
While Thailand remain one of the tournament favourites and currently sit top of Group A, their two toughest tests still lie ahead starting with Tuesday's meeting with Philippines before they conclude the group stage on Dec. 18 against hosts Singapore.
If anyone had forgotten that Thailand's veteran striker could still have a huge say in their fortunes, they certainly would have been reminded following his display on Saturday.