Full-back Alexander Jensen has been a standout performer for Aberdeen since arriving in the January transfer window.
The Dons splashed out £545,000 to secure Jensen from Swedish top-flight club Brommapojkarna.
That is already looking like money well spent, as Jensen has made an immediate impact since arriving as part of boss Jimmy Thelin’s defensive rebuild.
What has really impressed me is Jensen’s drive and ability to push up the flank from his own half and quickly deliver a cross into the box.
I hope Aberdeen adopt Jensen’s example in the Scottish Cup tie against Queen’s Park by getting the ball into the box sharply and regularly.
The Dons were far too ponderous in possession at the edge of the penalty area in the recent 2-2 draw against Dundee United – an early ball always causes problems and panic for the opposition defence.
Jensen signing is great business
That is what Jensen does and I want to see more of that from his team-mates in the quarter-final tie against Queen’s Park at Pittodrie.
Securing Jensen for £545,000 looks to be great business by the Dons, especially considering he signed a four-year contract.
Landing a lower league side at home in the last-eight offers a fantastic opportunity for Aberdeen to secure a semi-final slot at Hampden.
However, Queen’s Park will be a tough test as Rangers found out to their cost in the previous round.
Championship Queen’s Park shocked Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox to send them crashing out of the cup.
Premiership club’s struggle to win at Ibrox so that should be a massive warning sign to the Dons of the Spiders’ danger.
Element of surprise is not a factor for Aberdeen v Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park also pushed Aberdeen hard earlier this season in the last-16 of the League Cup.
It took a dramatic late winner from Topi Keskinen in time added on to secure a narrow 1-0 victory at Pittodrie in August.
Already having faced Queen’s Park could work in Aberdeen’s favour, as the element of surprise from facing a lower league team will be lessened.
But Aberdeen must go out on the attack from the offset and scrap to win battles and second balls to avoid giving Queen’s Park any encouragement.
The Dons do not want to give Queen’s Park any hope they could pull off another shock.
Aberdeen must embrace cup drought pressure
It is now 35 long years since Aberdeen last won the Scottish Cup in 1990.
With every passing year, the pressure to end that long drought in the tournament increases.
Aberdeen supporters are desperate to see their team lift that trophy at Hampden.
The mentality of the Dons players for this quarter-final tie will be absolutely key – they cannot let the expectation or pressure hinder them and neither can they underestimate a very dangerous lower-league team.
So far this season, the Dons have successfully negotiated ties against lower league opposition in both cups.
Of the eight games against teams outside the Premiership, the Reds have won them all.
They have conceded only once in those eight ties – in a 2-1 League Cup group stage win against Championship Airdrie.
Boss Thelin and his squad have shown the right attitude against lower-league teams and have treated them with respect.
It has paid off and it must be the same outlook against Queen’s Park on Saturday.
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