Will Hughes has been tipped for the top ahead of Derby County’s game with QPR on Saturday – by opposition boss Harry Redknapp.
The England Under-21 midfielder has been in sparkling for the Rams this season, with his passing and intelligence catching the eye in the Championship.
And Redknapp believes the 18-year-old has what it takes to become a top player in the future, as QPR prepare to host Derby at Loftus Road.
He said: "He's a good player and he's going to be a big player.
"He's a young player and he's got the ability to go all the way to the top - I've been impressed with him.
"He's a really good player for the future, for a top Premier League club."
Hughes has been given a pivotal role in the Derby team by new boss Steve McClaren, who ironically started the season as a coach under Redknapp at QPR.
And with England Under-21s defender Andre Wisdom also on loan at Pride Park, Redknapp is impressed by the make-up of their team.
"They've got some fantastic young players there and he's taken the lad Wisdom on loan, who I think has got an excellent future," he added.
Hughes missed the last two Under-21 games through injury, but will be hoping for a call-up next week when Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate names his squad to face Finland and San Marino.
Tickets are available for both games, Finland at MK Dons’ stadiummk on Thursday 14 November, and San Marino at Shrewsbury Town’s Greenhous Meadow on Tuesday 19 November.
