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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Mason Greenwood compared to Jermain Defoe for trait which "p***** goalkeepers off"

Watford No.1 Ben Foster has compared Man Utd striker Mason Greenwood to Premier League legend Jermain Defoe for his trait which "p***** goalkeepers off".

The United teenager has burst onto the scene and impressed with his lethal finishing skills - an attribute Rangers hitman Defoe possesses in abundance.

Greenwood has shown himself to be naturally two-footed, providing a useful advantage when facing top-flight defenders.

But Foster says it is the 19-year-old's quick-fire shooting boots which pose the biggest problem.

“United have some really talented forwards in today’s team, and the one that stands out is Mason Greenwood,” Foster told the Premier League club’s Unscripted series.

Foster admitted Greenwood's penchant to shoot early is an annoyance to keepers (Pool via REUTERS)

“A massive thing for a striker, which p***** a goalkeeper off more than anything, is where they shoot without you even thinking they’re about to kick it.

"They’re running with it and suddenly, with no backlift, BANG, like Jermaine Defoe… They pull it out of nowhere and catch the keeper by surprise.

“Greenwood has got that, but with both feet as well, which is special. He cannot only kick it really well and really hard with both feet, but he’s so accurate, too.

"For a young lad to be able to do that at that age is very, very promising."

Foster spent five years at Old Trafford between 2005 and 2010, and comes up against his old side in the FA Cup third round clash on Saturday.

Greenwood is also set to earn some much-needed minutes, having been used sparingly so far this season.

Should Greenwood be starting regularly for Man Utd? Have your say below.

Greenwood scored past Foster in a Premier League fixture last season (PA)

And Foster admitted he has not forgotten his last encounter with the fearsome forward.

“The goal he scored against me last season was a thing of beauty," Foster added. "He just took it down and BANG, goal.

"I was thinking: Woah. Fair enough. Fair dos lad. I’ve played the game a long time and there's not many players who can do that."

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