Theo Walcott worked with Tino Livramento at Southampton and feels he is like a 'right-footed Gareth Bale'
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Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
It's a huge summer for Newcastle United star Tino Livramento. Fresh from helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League - and with a Carabao Cup winners medal in his trophy cabinet - the young full-back is currently impressing on England duty at the U21 EUROS.
The 22-year-old won the man of the match award in the young Lions' opening group game, a 3-1 win over Czechia, and was again on good form despite Lee Carsley's men being held to a goalless draw with Slovenia on Sunday.
Next up is a huge test against Germany on Wednesday night, but the Newcastle star has already showcased his talents. Senior head coach Thomas Tuchel spoke about his importance to the Under-21 side last week, outlining why he was keen to see him as a leader at U21 level in a major tournament, rather than call him into the full squad for the World Cup qualifier in Andorra and the friendly with Senegal.
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is another who has witnessed Livramento's talents first hand, having worked with the youngster during their time at Southampton - and he is no doubt over his abilities, comparing him to ex-Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who also came through the ranks at St Mary's
“He’s kind of a right-footed Gareth Bale in stature and the way he runs, and I feel like he’s the perfect wing-back," Walcott said. “At no point in training did I think about going up against him. There’s just no point.
"I’m a bit older and he’s physically stronger. I was quick still but I thought, ‘Why am I going to test myself against someone who is physically in a better position than me?’
“I did the same with Kyle Walker when I was playing. I would go and use my skills somewhere else and that’s the stature and how highly I rate him in one-v-one situations.
“Then the Newcastle factor and working with Eddie Howe, English, that whole community of English guys around him, I think that’s part of why Thomas Tuchel feels it’s important for him to be at this tournament.
“He’d take on information and he’s such a good listener,” he says. “He’s very quiet but he really listens well and I think it’s hard to get that balance. He’s a potential future captain because of his presence and how he is around the place.
“He’s got the potential to be that leader and they just want more of that because they can see it in him, I could see it in him.
"But you need a little bit more out of him and this tournament can bring a side out of him that he’s not used to.”
Livramento underlined his importance to Newcastle last season, playing on both sides of the backline and developing into one of the Premier League's best attacking full-backs.
In total, he made 45 appearances for United last term, missing just one Premier League game.