Stuart Armstrong believes competition for places is fiercer now than at any time since he joined Dundee United.
The 22-year-old midfielder moved to Tannadice back in September 2009 and made his debut for the first team against Hamilton Accies a year later.
He has seen plenty and done a lot in a tangerine jersey despite his youth.
So it’s worth noting when he says he has never known a time when so many players have been in serious contention for first-team places.
Manager Jackie McNamara proved that was the case by making six changes for Saturday’s 3-0 win over St Mirren, with the likes of Aidan Connolly, Charlie Telfer and Calum Butcher all doing well.
That victory meant United have now made their best start in the league since season 1990/91.
So there is a selection headache for the Tangerines’ gaffer ahead of Friday’s night’s trip to Fir Park to take on managerless Motherwell.
Armstrong said: “I think the competition is the toughest it has been since I’ve been at the club. That is healthy and it can bring out the best in everyone and push them to do better every week.
“You know you have to keep raising your standards. It is almost the case that two entirely different teams could be fielded each week.
“We are going to need that kind of cover, though, especially as the season goes on and you pick up injuries and suspensions.
“If you’re going to be successful you need strength in depth. You have to utilise your squad to the full.
“We have got a great squad and those who have come into the side, like the young boys, have done exceptionally well.”
Someone else who did exceptionally well when he came on as a substitute against St Mirren on Saturday was Armstrong himself.
He said: “I thought it was a big step forward for me on Saturday and I was pleased with the way I played when I came on. I want to try and get back to the sort of form I showed last season.
“Personally, my own form has been a bit frustrating. Getting injured didn’t help because that forced me to miss a few games.
“It’s been a bit stop-start since the international break but now I am just looking forward to getting back into things.
“It has been a good past week all round, going back top of the table and getting into the semi-final of the League Cup.
“I think the displays are starting to improve overall and we are winning games as well.”