Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial can develop into “one of the best strikers” in the world, according to team-mate Nemanja Matic.
Signed from Monaco in the summer of 2015, the Frenchman initially started his career at Old Trafford in fine form but hit a difficult spell for the Old Trafford side, returning a relatively disappointing 31 goals over the course of three seasons.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though, the 24-year-old has been resurgent, with his performances increasing in strength over the the last 18 months.
He has been instrumental in United’s push for a top-four finish, scoring seven goals and creating another in their last nine games, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United.
Matic says that it is reward for the work he has been putting in on the training ground over a long period of time.
“A good game for one football player doesn't come like that. It's hard work,” Matic, who also talked up teenage prospect Mason Greenwood, told Stats Perform News.
“Anthony, in the last year or year and a half, I have seen him working a lot, trying to improve in every part of the game.
“Of course, then on the pitch that gives you more and you deserve it. Anthony is going great. In training sessions he is fighting for every ball, trying to help his team-mates.
“Even when we don't have the ball he is trying to defend. He's doing fantastic. I think if he continues like this he will be one of the best strikers or attacking players in the world.
“He is still young, I have to say, still a lot to improve and time works for him, so he just needs to continue to work like this.”
Martial will hope to continue his recent run of success when Solskjaer’s side welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Monday, with the home side having the opportunity to jump to third in the standings with a victory.
The decision to overturn Manchester City’s two-year European ban means that they will need to finish in the top four in order to play in the Champions League next season – unless Pep Guardiola’s side go on and lift the title this term.