Written by By Cally Squires, CNN Mexico City, Mexico
Michael Carrick has called for young English international Jadon Sancho to keep his feet on the ground following his “massive boost” of a debut goal for Villarreal.
Sancho, who plays for Manchester City’s Manchester City youth team alongside Carrick’s Manchester United team mate Luke Shaw, was given his chance to impress as an 18-year-old for the first time in El Madrigal last weekend.
He scored a fine solo effort after 88 minutes of Villarreal’s win over Deportivo. Carrick, who is 35 years old and said his international retirement was imminent, has been a great example to the youngster.
“Obviously it’s massive for him, it’s a great boost for him, a great shot in the arm and hopefully he can carry on like that,” he told CNN Sport at a ‘Chivas Bandandonado’ exhibition in the Mexican capital on Monday.
“The ambition of young players like that you can see it in them, you can see it in Alex (Henderson), the guys that have come through with me. I tell them you’ve got to soak up every minute of it. You have got to enjoy it.”
Sancho came through the ranks at Manchester City but was loaned out twice before joining Borussia Dortmund, where he spent all last season.
He returned to the Bundesliga with Villarreal on a short-term deal in January but was loaned back to Manchester City in March for the remainder of the season.
What does he need to do to become a better professional?
“Definitely staying focused, not getting too carried away with yourself and continue to work hard,” said Carrick.
“It was good to see him get that confidence. For him to get a goal, it was a great end to the game which will lift him up and give him confidence.”