Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has sung the praises of defender Lucas Hernandez, touting the 21-year-old to have a “huge future” in the game.
The centre-back has been at Atleti since he was seven and has gradually played an increased role for the capital side since debuting for the first team in 2015.
Simeone believes the France Under-21 international is capable of becoming one of the game’s best.
“He’s an amazing player with a huge future,” Simeone told L’Equipe. “He makes my decisions very difficult because I have Filipe Luis at left-back and Diego Godin in the middle – two extraordinary players.
“Lucas isn’t a player who’s knocking at the door, but he’s opening it. It’s up to me to find a solution so that he can play.
“For me, he’s best in the middle and he could become a great player in a three-man defence. He’s good with the ball, is fast and is good in one-on-one situations.
“He’s destined to become one of the best centre-backs in Europe.”
Meanwhile, Lucas’ brother Theo recently departed Atletico to move across town to join Real Madrid, though Simeone bears him no grudges.
“I can’t express an opinion because it’s a personal choice. We wish him the best,” he said. “We cannot criticise or blame him.
“As I said, I’m very open. Everyone seeks his destiny and makes choices as to the best way to grow. I hope he’s gone to the right club. Time will tell.”
Atleti are currently unbeaten in La Liga, though six draws in 15 matches see them six points behind leaders Barcelona.