Gary Neville has declared Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe is more "clinical and ruthless" than Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo was at his age.
The striking claim comes after Smith Rowe grabbed a goal and an assist during a man-of-the-match display against Aston Villa last Friday.
The 21-year-old established himself as one of the Gunners' most-important players last season and has only improved since signing a new contract and claiming the No.10 shirt this summer.
Smith Rowe's performance against Villa left Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta purring and also drew lavish praise from Neville.
The pundit witnessed Ronaldo's rise to superstardom while they were teammates at Old Trafford and, remarkably, claims Smith Rowe is already ahead of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in two areas.
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"Cristiano was the first person I ever heard to say he undoubtedly wanted to be the best player in the world," Neville told Sky Sports , per Metro.
"It’s quite unusual to hear a player [say that] because everybody talks about the team and the collective. To hear Mo Salah say it is refreshing.
"I think you can say these things when you are delivering, and these two have delivered now consistently.
"Ronaldo now for 10, 15 years and Mo Salah for five, six years, and beyond. They are absolutely deadly.
"They are ruthless and clinical. Everything that Smith Rowe [wants to be]. He’s a beautiful footballer, Smith Rowe, and he’s got a long way to go in his career. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t as clinical and ruthless at that age."
Smith Rowe also lit up the north London derby in late September and Neville challenged the Hale End academy graduate to produce such sublime performances week in, week out.
"That’s where he has got to get to," added Neville of Smith Rowe. "To the point where by every single game, they want to be the best.
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"They want to score the winner. They believe they are going to score the winner. Confidence is unbelievable."
Smith Rowe is still waiting for his first call-up to the senior England squad and continues to represent his country at Under-21 level.
Neville's co-pundit Jamie Carragher has "no doubt" this will change soon, tipping the youngster to make his debut for Gareth Southgate's side.
"Sometimes players just pop up and you can’t help but like them and I absolutely love that lad," added Carragher of Smith Rowe.
