Tahith Chong has predicted his former Manchester United team-mate Scott McTominay will be one of the standout players at the World Cup this summer.
Chong, now playing for Sheffield United in the Championship, spent time alongside the Napoli midfielder during his time at Old Trafford.
McTominay sat out Curacao’s friendly against Scotland after joining up with the Scotland squad later, but his club colleague made a strong impression at Hampden.
Chong scored an impressive opening goal for Curacao in the game, which Scotland eventually won 4-1 after the Caribbean side were reduced to ten men.
Chong said: “It’s great to see Scott doing well and the development he’s made since leaving United.”
He added: “He’s been brilliant in Italy and for Scotland. He can be one of the big players at this World Cup, one hundred percent.”
Chong also highlighted McTominay’s record during qualification, saying: “Scott has already proven what he can do in the qualifiers, scoring some really important goals.”
The Sheffield United winger praised McTominay’s growth since moving to Italy, noting that he won the league with Napoli and was named Player of the Year there.
Chong said: “He deserves to get his chance playing at a World Cup. During my time at United with him, he was always so hard-working and desperate to improve all the time.”
One of the more unexpected moments from the Hampden friendly was the Scotland debut of Tyler Fletcher, son of Manchester United legend Darren Fletcher, who came off the bench at half-time.
Chong spoke to Tyler after the game and was clearly amused by the occasion, saying: “I spoke to Darren’s son after the game and told him to say hi to his dad from me!”
The 26-year-old added: “It just shows how time flies, I’m only 26 but that makes me feel old!”
Chong recalled Darren Fletcher’s presence at United fondly, describing him as a big figure from his time at the club who was regularly on the training pitch in a technical role.
He said: “It’s great for Tyler to make his Scotland debut and I’m sure Fletch will be really proud.”
Tyler Fletcher, who is 19 years old and has made two appearances for United this season, impressed Chong with his cameo for Steve Clarke’s side.
Curacao’s afternoon at Hampden was derailed when striker Jurgen Locadia was sent off for an elbow on Aaron Hickey just before the interval.
Goals from Findlay Curtis, Lawrence Shankland with a double, and Ryan Christie from the penalty spot sealed a comfortable win for Scotland.
Despite the result, Chong insisted the experience was valuable preparation for their World Cup group, which includes matches against Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
He said: “The first-half, we were tactically outstanding so it would have been interesting to see how things panned out if it had stayed eleven against eleven.”
Chong was born in Curacao and his father has spent most of his life there, giving him a personal connection to the island nation’s World Cup journey.
He said: “We are not going to the World Cup on holiday, we want to do something positive and Scotland will be the same.”
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