The Sunday News
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.” — Online
