Scouting Iker Muniain: Athletic Bilbao's Answer to Wayne Rooney

Those fortunate enough to have caught Athletic Bilbao's 3-1 win against Osasuna on Monday night were perhaps treated to a vision of Spain's footballing future.

His name is Iker Muniain, and he's been billed as "The Basque Wayne Rooney." It's easy to see why when you watch him in action.

The 19-year-old is a tenacious, attack-minded forward with endless imagination and a fierce drive that occasionally gets him in trouble. The fact that he was born in Pamplona makes a reference to his bullish approach nothing short of essential.

Muniain was outstanding against Osasuna.

Having scored the opening goal with a composed finish under pressure, he proceeded to run the opposition defense ragged at every opportunity. His work-rate was quite simply sensational, and the fact that it's backed up by a sublime talent makes him potentially one the biggest stars of his generation.

Little wonder he's already being linked to the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City,

At 16, Muniain became Bilbao's youngest player to appear in an official match. Soon after, he became the youngest to score a goal. From that moment forward, his name has never been far from the transfer gossip columns.

Muniain was part of Spain's victorious European Under-21 Championship squad this summer, and there are already calls for him to be included in the senior team.

Could next month's friendly against England be too soon? I don't think so.

Muniain is ready to show the world what's he's capable of.