Rio Ferdinand knows a thing or two about being a young English prospect full of potential. The former defender first caught the attention as a youngster at West Ham, before he developed into a world class player, who won a plethora of trophies, honours, and international caps.
The Manchester United legend has now revealed which current young England player he expects to go on to become the best in the country.
The Premier League is home to some exceptional young home grown talent, including the likes of Marcus Rashford, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, and Callum Hudson-Odoi to name a handful.
However, Ferdinand believes that teenage sensation Jadon Sancho will be the very best England has to offer.
“Listen, this kid, I think he’ll be the best English player in the coming years,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport in the build up to Tottenham’s clash against Borussia Dortmund.
“There’s some great players coming through, so to stay that is a big statement but I believe in him.
“I’ve known about him since he was a kid, his dad’s from my area so I’ve always been aware of him and always known he’s a skillful, young, talented, and most importantly driven and professional young man.
“He’s showing that now. His character going out to Germany was a big, big move for a young player, but he decided he wanted to go and get first team football. He believed that he was ready.
“He’s gone there and got assists galore, goals, and he’s putting people on the edge of their seats with the performances he’s putting in.”
High praise! Deservedly so too, considering the stunning season Sancho is having with Dortmund; scoring eight goals and carving out eight assists in 28 matches so far this term - a tally that he could well enhance tonight at his national side's stadium, Wembley.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also heaped praised Sancho, labeling him the "best player of his generation."
Driven. Professional. Talented. Jadon Sancho is setting the football world alight 👏
His showreel is 🔥
