Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Anthony Elanga has the world at his feet - if he doesn’t let success go to his head.
The Sweden legend and ex- Manchester United striker has joined current Reds captain, Victor Lindelof, in expressing pride that the 19-year-old is set to play for his country this week. Elanga has been one of the few shining lights in a disappointing campaign for Manchester United this season.
His reward is a first international call-up for Sweden’s crucial World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic. Ibrahimovic said: “He’s a great talent, we are proud and happy that he comes from Sweden. That he can represent Sweden now makes it even bigger.
“He has all the future ahead of him, and if he continues just as he has done, it looks positive. It’s just fighting, never being content, striving for more. How much he can develop depends on him.”
Lindelof believes Elanga will easily handle the pressure, as long as he stays focused and doesn’t get carried away by his early rave reviews: "I’ve spoken to him and said: ‘Stay humble, keep working hard, and keep doing your thing.
“‘Keep your feet on the ground and work hard because even if you’re young and you manage to come to this level, it’s a great thing, but staying at this level is also hard because you need to really keep working hard.’”
Elanga has scored three times in this, his breakthrough season - twice in the Premier League and once in the Champions League.
“He’s a great talent, still very, very young but he’s got some really, really great qualities as a player,” Lindelof told United Review. “He’s very fast with great technique and he’s got an eye for goal. He’s still very, very young so I think it’s important to let him develop in his own time, but he’s a great talent.
“Of course, I always try to help players and help team-mates if they need my help. That’s the kind of person I am, I always want to help people, so of course I talk to him.
"He’s from Sweden, so it makes sense that I speak to him as well. I’m also the captain of the national team so for me to do that just comes naturally.”
