Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has reiterated his belief Jesse Lingard is the ‘English version of Andres Iniesta’.
Like most of his team-mates, Lingard appears rejuvenated under the tutelage for Red Devils legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who took over as interim manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
The England international has three goals and two assists in five Premier League starts under the Norwegian.
Meulensteen has previously stated his adoration of the Man United academy product.
And speaking exclusively to 888sport the Dutchman suggested Lingard has many attributes similar to that of legendary Barcelona and Spain midfielder Iniesta.
Meulensteen said: “Sir Alex always had a clear picture of what a good player looked like and they had to have quick feet, quick brain, and a big heart. That is basically everything that Jesse had but he was very slight for his age.
“I worked with him from the age of eight or nine and taking him abroad for tournaments and he was always having to fight battles because he was of tiny build. But all things level themselves out and eventually those three things make a difference – quick feet, a quick brain, and a big heart. And he has done every so well.
“The fans always need to associate themselves with players who have come through the ranks. While I was there and Sir Alex was there it was so important to keep bringing young players through.
“The difference with Jesse is that he was always the English version of Iniesta. He can play in the pockets, he’s very mobile and very agile. He can beat a man and he’s good in combination play. The last few seasons he started to score important goals as well.”
Read the full 888sport interview with Rene Meulensteen, including this thoughts on how Mata doesn’t matter anymore at Old Trafford