Former England left-back Ashley Cole believes Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento has “a beautiful and bright future” and that the defender can get to “whatever level he wants”.
Cole, who won 107 caps for England, is assistant coach for the England Under-21s and was speaking after Livramento won player of the match for an impressive display at left-back in England’s 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.
England U21s are attempting to defend their European Championship title and Livramento’s performance played a big part in getting them off to the perfect start.
Cole is familiar with the 22-year-old, having worked with him when he was at Stamford Bridge as a first-team coach.
“He was in the under-21s, in the reserve group at Chelsea,” said Cole in Slovakia. “You always see the passion and level he could get to.
“I think him getting the opportunity at Newcastle and continuing to play first-team football gave him the belief, the confidence in his own ability.
“And of course, a manager that’s trusted him to play at such a young age. I think he had quite a big challenge going to Newcastle, but he’s developing into a top player.”
Head coach Lee Carsley is without a natural left-back in his squad, a position that has also been an issue in the senior team in recent years.
At last year’s European Championship in Germany, Gareth Southgate took an unfit Luke Shaw as the only natural left-back – and nine different players have featured in the position in the past year.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly appears to be leading the chase for that slot currently but, with limited options, Livramento will see an opportunity.
Despite being a natural right-back, Livramento often played on the opposite side for Newcastle this season and left-back could be his clearest way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the World Cup next summer.
Cole said: “As a coach, you stand on the sideline and see how much information he takes on board.
“And I keep saying it, but the willingness to want to learn and be the best, I think is always a great trait to have.
“Whatever level he wants to get to, he can get to because he’s got that personality and desire.
“I think he’s got a beautiful future, a bright future. Long may it continue that he keeps playing for Newcastle, keeps gaining experience and keeps his levels up.”
