Whilst a 4-0 loss to Norwich sent Hull City into the international break on something of a sour note, there is no doubt that the Tigers have been steadily building momentum in recent weeks.
A winless opening five games had piled early pressure on new City boss Tim Walter. The German arrived in East Yorkshire promising free flowing attacking football, leaving some fans feeling a bit short changed after just two goals in their first five outings.
Suffering their worst start to a season since 2006, the Tigers immediately redeemed themselves by picking up nine points from their next three games. An impressive tally in any context, it was the manner of these wins that saw much of the City faithful start to buy into Walter's style of play.
The successive victories against Stoke City, Cardiff City and QPR saw the Tigers find the back of the net ten times suggesting that the Tigers’ forward line had finally started to click. Whilst numerous players deserve credit for this uptick in scoring proficiency, one summer signing has played a crucial role in this attacking revolution.
Hull City celebrate scoring against QPR (Hull Live)
Whilst certainly no stranger to English football, few people knew exactly what to expect from Liam Millar when he arrived from FC Basel this summer. Signing for a reported £1.5million fee, the Canadian had spent last season on loan at Preston North End where the natural winger spent much of his time deployed as a wing back.
Speaking shortly after his arrival at the MKM Stadium, the 25-year-old claimed that it was the chance to play in his desired position that steered his course towards East Yorkshire:
"At Preston last year, I played as a wing-back and I've been very vocal that it's not something that I wanted to play. The idea when I went to Preston, it wasn't to play as a wing-back, but it ended up happening, which is no problem. I'm professional, I can do it.
"I really wanted to go back and play in my position again this year and show people that I am a good Championship player at this moment as a left winger, not just as a wing-back. So when Tim was explaining to me his ideas, his philosophy and whatnot, I felt like it really suited what I wanted."
In Millar's own words, Hull was his chance to prove his worth as a winger and if his opening outings as a Tiger are anything to go off he has more than taken this opportunity.
Resigned to an appearance off the bench in City's opening day draw with Bristol City, the following fixture against Plymouth saw Millar start and grab an assist for Lewie Coyle's equaliser. The winger's first goal for the Tigers came a few weeks later when Millar put the cherry on top of a 3-1 victory over QPR.
Liam Millar celebrates alongside Hull City captain Lewie Coyle (BBC Sport)
The winger's three goal contributions is the most of any City player this season. With Millar clearly relishing his new role further up the pitch, the 25-year-old has earned the admiration of the Tigers faithful through his abilities on the ball.
Millar's stats for this season shows just how impactful he has been in Hull's attacking phases. Ranking in the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, it is clear that the Canadian is not afraid to run with the ball in order to get his team up the pitch.
Despite enjoying a new lease of life out wide, Millar has not forgotten the defensive discipline he picked up during his time in Lancashire. The Canadian ranks third amongst the City squad for tackles in the defensive third showing that he is still more than willing to put in the work when his team don’t have the ball.
Walter's style of play has been characterised by many as 'heart attack football' and in a lot of respects Millar is the perfect player for it. In a system based around players taking risks, having a winger who can reliably beat his man and create chances is essential.
In spite of his early success in black and amber, Millar has yet to establish himself in the German's starting eleven. The 25-year-old has only featured from the start on five occasions this season, having to settle for appearances off the bench in the other four games.
Liam Millar in action for Hull City (Yorkshire Post)
Usually benched to accommodate for Abdülkadir Ömür, it may be time to drop the midfielder to allow Millar to truly flourish. With the Türkiye international yet to register a goal or assist this campaign, it would be a wise move for Walter to give his Canadian teammate a run in the starting eleven.
Millar was handed a start in the Tigers' most recent outing against Norwich however, like the majority of his teammates failed to impress in the 4-0 defeat. A single poor performance in what has been a strong opening to the 25-year-old's time at the MKM Stadium.
With the season still in its infancy, there is still plenty of time for Millar to cement himself in City's side. The more experienced presence of Ömür may be the more appealing option for now but the Canadian's contributions may soon become too loud to ignore.
The Tigers' next two fixtures see them take on league leaders Sunderland and the recently relegated Burnley. Undoubtedly two of the toughest sides in the division, it could be a moment of magic from Millar that earns City some vital points in these difficult fixtures.
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