I find it strange that Lingard consistently underwhelms with the fans no matter what he does. It's like some fans who claim to watch matches selective switch off whenever Lingard has the ball. Yes he's been poor in some previous seasons, but his contribution for this season has been massive.
I feel like we're watching this kid turn the corner in his career, much like how Becks did after the halfway line goal and Ronaldo after the wink. It remains to be seen if he can truly keep up this level of performance year after year; he'll be a damn fine player for us if he does. But importantly, when you watch him play through the middle, it's his assurance that marks the difference. And players are now giving him the ball, where they'd often bypass him when he's out wide, because he's not a player that goes round the outside of his fullback, nor is he a player who turns his marker outside in.
What Lingard is, is a fantastic footballer who's so effective by doing the little things, making runs, being in the right place at the right time, going between the lines, pressing his man. This season he's found his shooting boots, and long may it continue. Rio said it best; Dele Alli, England's next new bright attacking midfield hope, is on 10 goals this season, Lingard already has 13, and many of those are absolute peaches, yet he doesn't get anywhere near the plaudits that Alli has.