“I’ve worked with Marcus and seen him at close hand and how much of a talent he is. However, it is his work rate and commitment which are really what makes him such a valuable asset for Manchester United.
“You wouldn’t swap him for any other young player right now. I’ve not seen Jesus in the same close-up environment, but he’s obviously shown from his performances he is a very talented player.”
Marcus Rashford’s finishing ability has left England coaches wide-eyed.
The Manchester United striker has been given few opportunities to lead the line under Jose Mourinho - but Gareth Southgate is adamant he is a top class goal-scorer in the making.
In England’s final international of the year, Rashford will have the chance to make a statement to Mourinho ahead of the crucial Christmas period.
“He’ll score goals definitely,” said Southgate, who plans to start the 20-year-old at centre forward against Brazil on Tuesday night in the absence of the injured Harry Kane.
“His technique and his finishing ability are tremendous.
“Quite often we look across at each other in training and raise our eyebrows at some of the things he does. He’s a very exciting player.”
Mourinho claimed last month that Romelu Lukaku was undroppable at the point of United’s attack until Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns from injury.
Rashford has been deployed on the left - but could have provided an alternative in the centre in the face of Lukaku’s seven-game goalless run.
An impressive performance for his country could prompt a rethink from Mourinho.
Southgate is adamant both he and Mourinho are convinced they have a special talent on their hands.
“It’s amazing really that he’s been a player who’s been able to dip under the radar as we think so much of him, not only his ability, but his mentality and his maturity,” said the England manager.
“He’s a very exciting player, but very grounded, wants to improve all the time.
“For me he’s going to be a top player. He has all the attributes of the top players I’ve worked with, but he’s still only 20.
“Jose wouldn’t mess around, but he picks him in all the big games and is on the field in nearly every game.
“Roy Hodgson saw the same things.
“We wanted to look after him last summer as we see him as a big part of our future.”
Ryan Giggs, who was Louis van Gaal’s assistant as Rashford made his first team breakthrough at United, insists he is as good as any starlet in world football - Gabriel Jesus included.
“They’re a bit different, Jesus has a better scoring record, but Marcus likes to match up with defenders and try something, which is what makes him great to watch,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve worked with Marcus and seen him at close hand and how much of a talent he is. However, it is his work rate and commitment which are really what makes him such a valuable asset for Manchester United.
“You wouldn’t swap him for any other young player right now. I’ve not seen Jesus in the same close-up environment, but he’s obviously shown from his performances he is a very talented player.”
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