Pat Nevin reckons former Celtic star Kieran Tierney can become the best player in the world – but only if he ditches Arsenal.
The BBC pundit reckons the Scotland defender needs to join a bigger club for his talent to really shine.
But if the likes of Manchester City or Real Madrid snap up the defender, Nevin reckons he can become a real rarity.
A defender who wins the Ballon d’Or.
Four years ago Nevin failed to persuade his former club Chelsea to take him from Parkhead to Stamford Bridge.
Instead the Hoops ace joined Arsenal where he is set to be named their player of the year.
Tierney grabbed his first Scotland goal in the midweek friendly draw with Poland and Nevin insists the world is at his feet.
He said: “Kieran hasn’t peaked yet, which is quite frightening.
“When I first met him he was a confident boy but he’s gone beyond that to have this total and utter belief in himself.
“He is already one of the best footballers on the planet. He’s more than comfortable in the Premier League, which means he could play anywhere.
“I believe he can go on to win the Ballon d’Or.
Only one defender – Fabio Cannavaro, who captained the Italian World Cup- winning side in 2006 – has ever won that prize, but KT could emulate him.
“For that to happen three things need to happen.
“First, he has to be playing for one of the biggest clubs and winning trophies. Then he has to avoid being around at the same time as geniuses like Maradona or Lionel Messi or goal machines like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Finally, he has to offer something different and the way he’s combining his attacking instincts with intelligence in that centre-back role means that’s already happening.”
Nevin believes it’s inevitable that Tierney will be a target for the biggest clubs in the game.
He said: “If he did join Real Madrid then he would have no problem fitting in there.
“Kieran’s good enough to join any club in the world and hit the ground running.
“Personally, I think Manchester City would be the perfect club for him.
“They have a brilliant squad but are a bit short at left-back.
“City would easily be able to meet Arsenal’s asking price. Plus, if they finally win the Champions League this season then how do
you strengthen the best team in Europe?
“Signing Kieran would be a good start.”
