Former Manchester City player Nigel de Jong has lauded Benfica starlet Goncalo Ramos as the striker continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United next summer.
The 21-year-old, who has started Portugal's last two World Cup matches, in place of former Reds striker Cristiano Ronaldo, has been in impressive form for both club and country this year, with the attacker bagging a hat-trick and an assist against Switzerland in his country's round-of-16 triumph.
Ramos' strong showing in the last-16 tie earned him a starting berth against Morocco in the quarter-final clash, with Ronaldo once again having to settle for a place among the substitutes. The Benfica ace, who has registered 14 goals and six assists in 21 appearances for the Portuguese side so far this season, is under contract at the Estadio da Luz until 2026.
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The young striker has been linked with a move to United next year, and former City midfielder De Jong has praised the Benfica man and tipped him for a bright future.
"He’s only 21 years old, he’s graduated from the Benfica academy, he's already showed his qualities. They play with a certain freedom now that he’s in the side, he’s a proper target man, he’s got agility, energy, two-footed, a proper talent," the Dutchman said on ITV.
"He’s a big boy as well, can hold the ball but this is what you need, a striker that can run to the front post, these qualities and he can be a great one especially with the playing style of Portugal, he’s a great asset."
Erik ten Hag is expected to recruit a new striker in either January or the summer following Ronaldo's departure from the club, with Anthony Martial currently the only recognised centre-forward at Old Trafford.
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