Robin Van Persie has claimed Adnan Januzaj is one of the finest talents he’s ever seen and believes the young Belgian could develop into one of the best players in the world.
So far, Januzaj has been one of the few shining lights of United’s first post-Ferguson season, scoring twice on his first start for the club against Sunderland and making an impact after coming off the bench against Stoke last Saturday. The Belgian’s performances have been impressive and, having signed a new five-year deal, many believe the Belgian should be starting regularly.
“He’s a great player and I’m a great fan of his,” van Persie told the Mirror. “I thought earlier in pre-season that he has something special.
“Over the years I’ve seen so many young players and I can honestly say that of all the young players I’ve seen he is right up there in the top one or two.
“He’s a special player. He will give Manchester United a great bunch of goals and great games.”
RVP said that Januzaj’s confidence and attitude reminded him of himself in the early stages of his career, when he began making his way through the ranks at Feyenoord.
“He’s confident in a good way,” said the Dutchman of his younger teammate. “He’s not too bothered with the whole occasion or the pressure of the games.
“When I go back 10 years when I was quite young I see similar attributes.
“I was very confident as well and I see some stuff in him and the choices he makes that I made when I was younger as well.
“He’s a very big talent and he will be looked after by the staff and players here.
“He’s not the new Van Persie, he’s the new Adnan. Everyone is their own player.”
Januzaj, who’s widely expected to start tonight’s Capital One Cup match against NorwichCity, was targeted by Stoke’s players when he replaced Nani for the final half an hour of United’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford on Saturday, prompting David Moyes to demand more protection for the youngster.
The United manager, however, is confident that the 18-year-old won’t be bullied out of games and insisted Januzaj is brave enough to continue playing the way he’s been playing so far, regardless of the bruises that might await him.
“If ever there was a boy who can take it, it’ll be him,” said Moyes. “You just hope the referees give him the correct protection, and I am sure they will.
“But he won’t be moaning about it. He’s a great lad and he’ll bounce up and get on with it. You can kick him as hard as you like, it won’t affect him.”
