Nemanja Vidic flattered with Eric Bailly comparison
Monday 26 September 2016 16:35, UK
Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is flattered by comparisons between himself and new arrival Eric Bailly and has tipped the 22-year-old to be a long-term success at Old Trafford.
Bailly has adapted to life in the Premier League quicker than expected, winning the club's Player of the Month award for August.
Such dominant form has led to many likening his style of play to Vidic, who won five Premier League titles in nine seasons at Old Trafford, and the former Serbia international likes what he sees in Bailly.
"It's nice to hear [comparisons] and, from what I've seen, he is a very good player," Vidic said in an interview with Manchester United's matchday programme on Saturday.
"If he keeps going as he is, he will definitely have a great career at United. Of course, I'm glad that someone compares him to me and I hope he will be a player who does very well for us.
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"He's strong and composed with the ball. He's a very confident player. He has a bit of everything. What I have seen in the first few matches is that we have a great player for the future and a player I would say we needed. He reads the game well. He already looks a big signing for us.
"I think he's already popular with the fans. Of the signings we've had this year, I think he's the one that has surprised everyone the most.
"He's 22 years old and he went into the club and looks at home straight away. That's outstanding for me. We know how many players come to England and need time to adapt and that, for me, is what is so impressive - he's 22 and he has adapted straight away and showed some confidence which is important."
Vidic did have a word of warning for Bailly, however, insisting that a positive start does not mean the hard work is done.
"The most important thing for a player of his age is to keep his feet on the ground," Vidic added. "The first few matches he really performed well and had so many compliments from everyone, but it's important to stay calm, keep doing what he was doing before and keep improving.
"If he continues to play like he does and stays focused, he can be here for many years and help the team be successful."
