BEN FOSTER has paid the ultimate compliment to Mason Greenwood – by admitting he is the type of forward that ‘p***** a goalkeeper off’.
Greenwood, 19, established himself as a Manchester United regular thanks to his fine form last term.
Mason Greenwood has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He hit 17 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions and earned his maiden England cap in September.
Greenwood has continued his development by scoring three times this season while playing out wide for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s resurgent side.
But the Old Trafford academy graduate is expected to eventually lead the line for club and country.
And former United keeper Foster believes Greenwood’s finishing ability is similar to that of Premier League legend Jermain Defoe.
He told the club’s official website: “United have some really talented forwards in today’s team, and the one that stands out is Mason Greenwood.
“A massive thing for a striker, which p***** a goalkeeper off more than anything, is where they shoot without you even thinking they’re about to kick it.
“They’re running with it and suddenly, with no backlift, BANG, like Jermain Defoe… They pull it out of nowhere and catch the keeper by surprise.
“Greenwood has got that, but with both feet as well, which is special. He cannot only kick it really well and really hard with both feet, but he’s so accurate, too.
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“For a young lad to be able to do that at that age is very, very promising.
“The goal he scored against me last season was a thing of beauty. He just took it down and BANG, goal.
“I was thinking: ‘Woah. Fair enough. Fair dos lad’. I’ve played the game a long time and there’s not many players who can do that.”
Foster’s current club Watford will face Greenwood and Co in this evening’s FA Cup third-round clash.
United are reportedly set to hand Greenwood a new long-term contract as reward for his rapid rise to the top.
And Old Trafford great Andy Cole believes the teenager can become one of the world’s best strikers.
The 1999 Champions League winner told The Target Men Podcast: “I believe Mason Greenwood has all the attributes and all of the potential to go on to become one of the world’s best strikers within the next five years.
“I think if Mason continues to work hard and keeps his head down, he will achieve whatever he wants to achieve in football.
“I’m very excited to see him in a Manchester United shirt for years to come.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk