Former Manchester United youth manager Paul McGuinness has compared United academy product Angel Gomes to David Silva and Andreas Iniesta.
The 16-year old replaced Wayne Rooney in United's clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday, which made him the first player who was born in the 21st century to play a Premier League match.
McGuinness, who managed the likes of Gomes, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba during his 23-year tenure at the club, believes the diminutive midfielder could soon emulate his pint sized predecessors.
"He's a real talent," McGuinness told Sky Sports.
"If he was Brazilian, people would be raving about him and, if he was six inches taller, people would be going mad.
"I suppose that's our country. People doubt players if they're short in stature but no-one is doubting Andres Iniesta or David Silva. He's got the potential to be that type of player and, in England, you just don't get many players like that.
"If you play him with better players, he'll get better himself and create chances for them. You don't want to build him up too soon but I'm sure they'll handle all that at United."