Former Scotland star Pat Nevin believes former Celtic ace Kieran Tierney can become the best player in world football.
The Scotland defender might need to go elsewhere to achieve this though according to the 58-year-old who appeared 28 times for his country.
Tierney - who hails from Muirhouse - has shone for Arsenal since his move from Celtic to the English Premier League in 2019, and he's been linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid moves
After watching him score his first Scotland goal in Thursday's friendly draw with Poland, Nevin insists Tierney can go straight to number one.
Only one defender – Fabio Cannavaro, who captained the Italian World Cup-winning side of 2006 – has ever won that top honour.
Speaking to the Sunday Mail, Nevin believes most teams would be boosted by the Muirhouse man's services: “Kieran hasn’t peaked yet, which is quite frightening.
“When I first met him he was a confident boy but he’s gone beyond that to have this total and utter belief in himself.
“He is already one of the best footballers on the planet. He’s more than comfortable in the Premier League, which means he could play anywhere. I believe he can go on to win the Ballon d’Or.
“For that to happen three things need to happen. First, he has to be playing for one of the biggest clubs and winning trophies.
"Then he has to avoid being around at the same time as geniuses like Maradona or Lionel Messi or goal machines like Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Finally, he has to offer something different and the way he’s combining his attacking instincts with intelligence in that centre-back role means that’s already happening.
“If he did join Real Madrid then he would have no problem fitting in there. Kieran’s good enough to join any club in the world and hit the ground running. Personally, I think Manchester City would be the perfect club for him.
“They have a brilliant squad but are a bit short at left-back. City would easily be able to meet Arsenal’s asking price. Plus, if they finally win the Champions League this season then how do you strengthen the best team in Europe?
“Signing Kieran would be a good start.”
Tierney made himself a hero during his time at Celtic after graduating from their youth academy, winning four Premiership titles, two League Cups and a pair of Scottish Cups.
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