Share

'Jesse the English version of Iniesta'

Cape Town - Former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen says that he told Jesse Lingard to watch as many Andres Iniesta videos as he can.

Meulensteen arrived at United's Carrington training ground back in 2001 and was first the club's developmental coach before assisting Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Dutchman worked alongside Lingard and reveals that the attacking midfielder has the right characteristics to become an even greater player.

"He’s bright, he’s left-footed, he’s got great ability and skill," Meulensteen said on the club's website.

"I always said to him: ‘Watch as many Andres Iniesta clips as you can’, because I see Jesse as the English version of Iniesta.

"He has a long way to go, but that is the sort of player I see in him.

"People say he’s small because of the perception of how the Premier League is.

"Look at players like Andreas Iniesta, Xavi, Lionel Messi, David Silva, Juan Mata… they’re all tiny, but it doesn’t make a difference if you have a quick brain, quick feet and a big heart, and Jesse has all of those."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Dolphins 0
Warriors RSA 0
loading... Live
Pakistan 0
New Zealand 163/4
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
65% - 402 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
35% - 220 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE