Scott McTominay arrives at Boston with 72 caps, 15 goals and two assists for Scotland, yet his influence stretches beyond numbers. He scored the winner against Israel in 2021, netted a brace that stunned Spain at Hampden, and helped clinch the draw with Denmark. Expectations are high as he partners John McGinn in Scotland’s World Cup opener in crucial moments.

Against Haiti he posted a 93% pass completion rate, the second‑best in the starting eleven, and covered more than 12km, the longest distance any player logged. Morocco saw his accuracy dip to 89%, still third‑highest, while he registered two shots on target in each match, one more than versus Denmark in November. His stamina allowed Scotland to maintain shape despite early pressure.

Former winger Pat Nevin reminded fans that McTominay is not a game‑controller like Billy Gilmour but a relentless work‑horse whose specialism lies in ball retention and pressing. With Lewis Ferguson shifting to a holding role and Kenny McLean’s late introduction, Scotland grew more cohesive in the second half, allowing McTominay to showcase his strengths in a 1‑0 win and proved decisive.