Cape Town - Manchester United vice-captain Michael Carrick admits he's been impressed by Timothy Fosu-Mensah's performances since making his debut for the club.
The Dutch youngster was initially signed from Ajax Amsterdam as a midfielder, but has shown his versatility by slotting seamlessly into a Red Devils defence that has been depleted by a number of injuries to first-team squad members.
Carrick played alongside the 18-year-old when he replaced Marcos Rojo at left-back against Arsenal earlier this month, but his performance in their 1-0 win over Watford really caught the eye of the England international.
"It is a real rise for Timmy," the 34-year-old told Manchester United Review.
"First of all, he came on at left-back in the Arsenal game and that is not a position he is accustomed to playing.
"He stepped up in tough circumstances and I thought he did terrifically. He is a real athlete, he is quick, he is strong and he's good on the ball," Carrick added.
"The Watford game was another tough one to come into, to play at centre-back against their front two [Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo], who are a real handful and are really dangerous.
"I thought he came through that well. Those performances and the experience of being involved will stand him in good stead."