Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has laughed off the 'Shawberto Carlos' nickname bestowed upon him by Red Devils supporters, with the England international reluctant to place himself in a talent bracket alongside a Real Madrid and Brazil icon.
The 25-year-old's efforts in the 2020-21 campaign have seen him likened to World Cup winner Roberto Carlos by a loyal fan base at Old Trafford.
Shaw has been catching the eye, earning Player of the Month prizes and a recall to the Three Lions fold, but acknowledges that he is some way off earning a standing alongside an all-time great on the left-back roll of honour.
What has been said?
Responding to his new nickname during a Q&A on United's official website, Shaw said: “I’ll be honest, I’ve seen some things on it on social media and sometimes in my group chats my mates send me some stuff and I just laugh about it!
“I can’t be compared to him, he was unbelievable!
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“I’m aware of it and it’s nice to be even mentioned alongside his name, but I just laugh about it!”
Who did Shaw look up to?
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Carlos was an obvious role model for Shaw growing up, with the South American superstar raising the bar for all left-backs that have trodden a similar path.
His left foot was a dangerous weapon in the final third, with a reputation established for producing spectacular strikes from crazy angles and dead-ball situations.
Shaw is, however, prepared to admit that he looked a little closer to home for inspiration when carving out his own career.
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Ashley Cole is another to have earned the moniker of 'best left-back on the planet', with a man who earned 107 caps for England showing a new generation what can be achieved in what has not always been the most glamorous of positions.
Shaw added on his idols: “I think, looking back at when I was growing up and my sort of era, and watching him a lot and basing my game a lot on him and what I wanted to be like as a player, then I would have to say Ashley Cole [was the best].
“I’ve always been a massive fan of him and thought, when I was growing up, he was one of the best left-backs at that time.
“For me, as an all-round full-back he was one of the best I’ve ever seen with attacking and defending, so I’d say Ashley Cole.”
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