ROBIN VAN PERSIE has heaped praise on Manchester United star Tyrell Malacia.
Malacia joined the Red Devils in a £13million deal from Feyenoord last summer.
And while he has been in and out of the first team, he has more than proven his utility as a squad player for Erik ten Hag.
United legend Van Persie played alongside Malacia on 17 occasions while both were at Feyenoord.
And the striker has revealed how “proud” he is at how well the defender is doing.
He told Man Utd media: “I do believe, per window, [you have] to get a couple of the right players in, and Tyrell Malacia is one of them.
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“He wasn’t really well known before he came. I played with him at Feyenoord, so I knew how good he was, and still is, and he is proving that every game.
“When it clicks and when it’s clear what to do, because clearly [there are] both full-backs – Diogo Dalot on the right side, you have Luke Shaw sometimes on the left, or Tyrell – you can see that they know exactly what to do in ball possession, as well when the opponent has the ball.
“He’s doing that so well and I’m so proud of him. He’s from my city. He’s from my club. He’s giving a lot of youngsters hope.”
Malacia has made 30 appearances at Old Trafford this season but is yet to register a goal or assist, with the majority of his best work being done either in build-up or in the defensive phase of play.
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The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with the Dutch national team.
Consequently, he may feature in Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Gibraltar.
Van Persie added: “He is now playing on the highest level and competing against the best.
“He’s not only giving youngsters here hope, he’s giving youngsters in Holland hope.
“Like okay, if you play well, there is a possibility that you can go really far, so that you end up playing for a team like Manchester United, and I’m just proud of him.
“I hope he keeps developing and improving and stays hungry to keep getting better every day.”
Malacia’s next chance to feature for Man Utd will be on April 2 when the club face Newcastle in a potentially pivotal clash in the top four race.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
