Mick McCarthy described him as "outstanding". Steve Morison, likewise, called him a "standout performer," while Neil Harris admitted to being "fired up" by his performances as a youth player.
And now Erol Bulut has added himself to the long list of Cardiff City coaches to be left impressed by 21-year-old Kieron Evans, the bright spark in the Bluebird's pre-season opener against Penybont.
While Saturday's game descended into a slow, sleepy affair in the second half, Evans, part of the youthful new-look XI introduced after the break, was anything but.
READ MORE: The next batch of Cardiff City stars hoping to barge their way into Erol Bulut's first-team plans
As many of those around him comfortably knocked the ball about under no real pressure, the winger was itching to get involved as he raced up and down the near touchline in front of Bulut, who studied him as he chased every ball and pushed the team forward in search of another goal.
No surprise then, that the second score of the game came largely courtesy of Evans, as his clever footwork gave him enough space on that left-hand side to swing in a long looping cross to be met by Ollie Tanner who headed home.
And speaking after the game, Bulut was clearly pleased with what he saw from the winger, as he picked him and two other academy products out for special mention having seen 25 of his players take to the field in his first game in charge.
"Who impressed me in the second half was Evans on the wing," he said. "But also the other players, they did well. Joel (Colwill) at the young age of 18, he played in the centre and is doing well, also (Xavier) Benjamin."
As the glowing praise from former managers shows, Evans' obvious talent was recognised long ago.
Standing at 5ft 7in, the diminutive forward, who can play on either flank as well as in a central No.10 role, is blessed with a low centre of gravity and quick feet, while he has a good eye for goal with a killer cross very much in his locker. Most of all, he's always looking to make things happen.
After finishing as top scorer for Cardiff under-18s back in 2019-20, Evans caught the attention of Premier League sides Newcastle United, West Brom, Burnley and Sheffield United.
But the top-flight outfits were dealt a serious blow by the Bluebirds the following season, as after some dazzling displays for Morison's under-23s side, the then-19 year-old was offered a new two-year contract by the club he joined at the age of 10.
A big vote of confidence from Cardiff, but also a big statement of intent from Evans.
"I feel amazing," he said at the time. "Signing my second pro contract here is a great feeling. It was a no-brainer for me. I want to prove that I can make it at this club."
The Brithdir-born winger went on to make his senior debut a few months later and a handful of appearances for the first team followed in the first half of the 2021-22 season, before he was sent out on loan to Northern Irish outfit Linfield for the remainder of the campaign.
While offered just two starts during his stint away, the physicality of the Irish League toughened Evans up, while his second loan spell, this time at National League side Torquay United, proved more profitable.
Despite being sidelined for nearly two months through injury, the Welshman made 36 league appearances and scored three goals - but couldn't save the Gulls from relegation. Personally, though, the move was beneficial, with the experience of playing for a relegation-threatened non-league side instilling a winning mentality in him, alongside a new work ethic.
"It's a completely different game to under-23s football," he told the club's YouTube channel. "When I first joined I thought it would be similar or maybe a bit more physical, but it's totally different.
"You've got to run more, you've got to keep the ball more and then obviously it's three points, you've got to win. The physical demands, the mental demands, everything really is way more."
So, what does this season hold for young Evans, whose Cardiff contract was extended earlier this summer? Perhaps the obvious answer is another loan spell, maybe to a League One or Two side. After all, he's yet to be properly tested in the Championship, and an impressive 45 minutes in a pre-season friendly against a Cymru Premier side may not be the strongest grounding for a push into the Bluebirds' first team.
At the same time, however, there's few who would deny Evans was the best player on the pitch on Saturday.
Bulut has already made clear his plans to incorporate the club's young talents into his wider thinking this season and he is in rich supply with the likes of Rubin Colwill, Isaak Davies and Eli King all looking to push on.
But having showcased his creativity at the weekend and with Cardiff in desperate supply of goals after last season's miserable return rate, perhaps Evans is the man the new boss should be looking at.
There's still a long way to go, of course, but the young man could be in line for a breakout season.
