David Moyes has backed Manchester United defender Luke Shaw to come out on top in the battle of the left-backs in England's Euro 2020 semi-final clash against Denmark.
Gareth Southgate's side take on Denmark at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night with a place in their first ever European Championships final up for grabs.
Left-back Shaw has been in excellent form for the Three Lions, registering three assists and forming part of a defence that is yet to concede a goal in the tournament. But Denmark's left-back Joakim Maehle has been one of the performers of the tournament in the same position.
Many believe the winning team will be whoever can get the most from their full-back and former United boss Moyes believes that Shaw has the edge in their head-to-head battle.
Speaking in his column for The Times, the West Ham boss revealed he was an admirer of Shaw before he joined United and rated the England full-back's abilities against tonight's opponents.
He said: "England v Denmark matches up two operators on the flank who have been stars of the tournament: Luke Shaw and Joakim Maehle.
"Both play on the left of the defence but offer such value going forward. Shaw has crossed for Harry Kane to nod home, centred for Raheem Sterling to tap in and assisted Harry Maguire via a free kick. That’s not bad for variety and Shaw’s impact is pleasing because he had to fight his way back to the top, after injuries and challenges, but is someone I’ve always considered a big talent.
"From when he broke through for Southampton at 17 I was an admirer, and felt Manchester United made a really good decision when buying him in 2014."He has always been an excellent left back, sound in his defensive play, but in his early days it was Shaw’s attacking that grabbed the attention — and for United this season, and now for England at these Euros, his attacking has blossomed again. His ability has never been in question and he is playing with such confidence and enjoyment.
"England’s most productive attacking has been down the left and Shaw is second at Euro 2020 for assists — one behind Switzerland’s Steven Zuber, who, like Shaw and Maehle, plays left back/left wing back.
"An unsung factor in Shaw’s success is Kyle Walker. Shaw can attack down the left because, on the other flank, Walker stays back to give England that recovery speed if there are counterattacks. This typifies how well England work as a unit, especially at the back."
