By El Akyereko Frimpong
Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial
Manchester United academy coach Paul McGuinness is overwhelmed by the massive precocity of Dutch-born Ghanaian starlet Timothy Fosu-Mensah and has tipped him for greatness.
The 17-year-old has spent just under a season at United's Soccer School in Old Trafford, only making his debut for the U18s in a game against Everton in November, but his qualities have become clear to McGuinness who has a special eye for special talents.
“He’s physically ahead of a lot of players at this age group and is very dynamic and powerful,†McGuinness told MUTV.
“That makes a big difference to any team, having someone with that maturity in it.
“He’s added defensively with his ability to recover and win the ball and also with his quick bursts forward. He has been a good addition but there is quite a lot more to come.
“There are things we need to work on with him and, once he gets a full idea of the Manchester United training mentality and Manchester United way of culture, he could be a good prospect.â€
Fosu, who is the captain of the Netherlands U17 side, has established himself as a prospective center-back but could also fit in well in defensive midfield role, a quality the 63-year-old McGuinness also spoke about.
Well, we’ll see. I don’t think playing him in midfield will do any harm either way. It gives him a chance to play in that position and work on parts of his game there. It will also benefit him if he does end up as a defender.â€
Fosu was born to Ghanaian parents in the Netherlands and has already represented the European country at youth level - U16 and U17.
However, with examples like Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kwesi Appiah, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Adam Kwarasey who all played for European countries at one youth stage, Fosu could represent Ghana at senior level should the Ghana FA pursue an interest in him.