Rio Ferdinand says that Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial reminds him of former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka.
Rio Ferdinand has compared Manchester United youngster Anthony Martial to former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka in The Sun.
France international striker Martial has been compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry by fans and pundits alike, but former United defender Ferdinand sees bits of Anelka in the 19-year-old.
Anelka, who is now on the books of Indian Super League club Mumbai City FC, played for the Gunners from 1997 to 1999 before leaving for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
“People are saying Henry because he’s more recent but I see more Nicolas Anelka when I played him as a kid, which is a big compliment,” the former England international centre-back wrote in The Sun.
“He’s very quick and wants to run in behind, which was Anelka’s game. At his best, Anelka was that direct runner behind defences in those early days at Arsenal.
“Martial reminds me of that. He doesn’t want it too much to feet, he wants the ball behind where he’s dangerous.”
Brilliant start
Martial joined United from French club AS Monaco in the summer transfer window amid hype and expectations.
There were some doubts over the teenage talent, but he has made a brilliant start to his Premier League career.
The Frenchman has scored three goals in two Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.
Martial has a pass accuracy of 63% and a shot accuracy of 75%, and has won eight headers and four dribbles.
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