The 1974 World Cup Final was barely a minute old when Johan Neeskens stepped up and scored from the penalty spot. West Germany had not yet touched the ball.
That tells you most of what you need to know about his role. Cruyff got the headlines, while Neeskens scored the goals, made the tackles and held the midfield together. He was the engine of the Netherlands' Total Football, and he was as good at his job as Cruyff was at his.
Cruyff's partner
The two were together at Ajax, where they won three consecutive European Cups, in 1971, 1972 and 1973. Neeskens did the dirty work while Johan created the magic. Later they were reunited at Barcelona and took Total Football to La Liga.
His box-to-box running and his scoring from midfield were well ahead of their time. He was aggressive and skilful, and he had a habit of scoring crucial goals in the biggest moments. The 1974 penalty remains one of the best-known moments in World Cup history.
For all that, he is the most underrated member of the Total Football generation, mostly because he spent his best years standing next to Cruyff.
Tomorrow: number 5.
