Southampton winger Adam Lallana believes his club team-mate Luke Shaw is probably the best in the world at the age of 18.
Shaw has been simply outstanding this season and is in contention to make his national team debut for England against Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday night. A solid performance could also open the door for him to book his ticket for Roy Hodgson’s final 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
“He’s an outstanding talent and one of the best – probably the best – player I’ve ever seen at 18,” Lallana told the reporters.
“He’s won plaudits and gained recognition, and he’s good enough to be here today.
“For Luke, at 18, to be playing for us against some of the best wingers in the world, that’s credit to him.
“I’m really excited for him. He’s done unbelievably for us.”
Lallana went on to compare him with Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale, who was a product of Southampton’s youth academy and became the most expensive player in football history last summer, following his world record transfer move from Tottenham.
The young left-back is tipped to replace Ashley Cole at Chelsea next season, although several Premier League clubs are also vying for his signature, including Manchester United.
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