Wayne Rooney is wary of the threat that Tahith Chong poses for his Derby County side as he gave a glowing verdict on the young winger.
Manchester United starlet Chong is spending the season on loan at Championship side Birmingham City and has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign, with two assists to his name in four appearances so far.
Next up for the Blues will be the visit of Derby in Friday's televised match and Rooney has identified Chong as their biggest threat.
United's record goalscorer knows the Dutchman well after he scored for United against his side in a friendly in pre-season and has sung his praises ahead of meeting him again.
"He’s a good player,” Rooney said. “He’s a player who obviously went out to Germany last season, it didn’t quite come off for him there.
“Obviously, he’s a very talented player, he played against us in the preseason and yeah, he’s an impact player, he has good moments in the game.
“So, of course, we’ll have to be wary of him and make sure we’re on our toes and we’re defending well against him because if we give him time and space, then he’s a player who can really hurt you.”
Chong has impressed already in his short time in the Midlands and manager Lee Bowyer spoke very highly of him following a recent 5-0 victory over Luton in which the 21-year-old shone.
“He glides past people with ease!" Bowyer said.
"It is beautiful for me to watch and for supporters – whether he’s on your team or not. He’s a talented boy and he’s learning, the first 20 minutes I felt he let them off the hook a bit.
"Then second half I told him to be more attack-minded and go past one, go past two. It is just recognising when to pass, when to dribble and when to shoot, and that is why he is here on loan with us because he will learn.”
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