Stoke City defender Nathan Collins has “Premier League potential” and should only be allowed to join Arsenal or Burnley for “silly money”, Potters legend Mike Pejic has told the Stoke Sentinel.
Aged just 19, the Kildare-born stopper recently became the youngest captain in Stoke’s 158-year history.
But it’s not just his natural-born leadership skills that have caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs.
Collins is also a fine defender – solid in the air, commanding in the challenge and capable of starting attacks from the back with his eye-catching passing range.
With that in mind, the Republic of Ireland U21 international looks an ideal replacement for contract rebel James Tarkowski at Turf Moor.
Burnley failed with a £4.5 million bid this week, with The Sun (24 January, page 59) reporting Stoke want closer to £10 million as Arsenal and Crystal Palace also flutter their eyelashes in his direction.
“Burnley are in a pickle with James Tarkowski expected to leave in the summer so you can push them. Collins won’t be short of interest so you don’t have to accept the first offer that comes along,” says Pejic, who made almost 300 league appearances for Stoke between 1968 and 1976.
“It should take silly money to take him away. He’s got a lot of assets and the main thing scouts will look for is Premier League potential. He has that.
“They’ll look at his age, look at his talent. He’s a defender first and foremost and Premier League scouts will also look how good defenders are on the ball. That’s where he’s a big hit.
“He’s comfortable, takes care of the ball in pressurised situations and his distribution is good – short and long.”
Collins’ adaptability and tactical intelligence should stand him in good stead too. The teenager has impressed at centre-half and at right-back, while flitting effortlessly between four and three-man back lines.
“I’m not surprised it’s Burnley who are interested because they have a manager in Sean Dyche who wants that inner belief to drive against obstacles,” Pejic adds.
“He likes consistent performers, players with a strong basic game he can rely on when he stands on the touchline.”
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