Leeds United star Luke Ayling has caught the eye of former Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Peter Crouch.
Crouch gave his verdict on the Whites defender ahead of Friday night's Premier League showdown with Aston Villa.
Ayling has made a promising start to life in the top flight, having helped Leeds win promotion from the Championship last term.
His versatility was called upon for the Villa game after Liam Cooper was ruled out by injury.
Ayling was moved from right-back to the centre of defence, where he partnered Robin Koch.
"They will miss him (Ayling) raiding down the wing," Crouch told BT Sport. "I do like him."
The 39-year-old is surprised Ayling, 29, has not played in the Premier League until now in his career, having previously had spells with Yeovil Town and Bristol City.
Crouch added: "He's one of those players that you just think: 'How has he not played in the Premier League until now?'
"As soon as he's come in, he's been a constant for Leeds.
"He's been around Championship football and he's been a quality player and someone who probably should have played in the Premier League for a lot longer than he has."
Ayling started his career at Arsenal, but has had to wait until this season to grace the Premier League.
In the first half against Villa, he was called upon to make a crucial goalline clearance to deny Jack Grealish an opener.
