Alphonso Davies is similar to a young Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale, says Carl Robinson, who expects the Bayern Munich youngster to develop into one of the world’s best.
Davies’ stock rose yet again on Friday night as Bayern Munich smashed Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The 19-year-old had a decent battle with Nelson Semedo in the opening half before ripping the flank open after the break. Bayern’s fifth goal, scored by Joshua Kimmich, was all his own making.
It marked another impressive new chapter to Davies’ young career, which has seen him transition into an impressive left-back in Germany since his €10m transfer from Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019.
Now his former manager Robinson, who gave him his senior debut for the MLS side in 2016, has paid tribute.
“He’s got the best players around him and quality coaching but he deserves all the credit because he’s a fantastic player and a phenomenal young man,” Robinson told The World Game.
“The way he went past Semedo from a standing start reminds me of a young Ryan Giggs, who was that quick over just three or four yards. The way he didn’t rush into his decision making for the goal showed why he’s at a huge club like Bayern Munich. That was brilliant.”
The current coach of Australian club Newcastle Jets continued: “His positioning and footwork will improve with experience.
“But Ashley Cole at the same age wasn’t the perfect defender and Gareth Bale at 21, playing as a [left-back turned into a] winger at Tottenham had developing to do too.
“Alphonso has a kick-start on these boys because he’s playing at such a high level, a year or two before them.
“Consistency is the key and suddenly the expectation will rise now, and that will be the big test for him in the months and years ahead.”
Robinson added: “The way he’s progressing, for me he’s on his way to being one of the very best players in the world.”
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