Nemanja Matic Backs Anthony Martial to Be One of the Premier League's Best

Nemanja Matic believes Anthony Martial can be one of the best players in the Premier League but said his Manchester United team-mate needs to have more faith in his ability. 

The Frenchman was instrumental in United's 2-1 defeat of Everton on Sunday, and Matic said greater confidence will come if he continues to produce performances of that kind, per the Daily Mail's Jack Gaughan:

"Anthony is a great player, and he needs to understand that. He needs more confidence. If he reaches his top level he can be one of the best players in the league for sure. Sometimes I don't think he understands how good he is. He has everything that a Manchester United football player needs.

"If I had his ability with the ball and I was as quick as him then I wouldn't pass to anyone and I would score every game. To be serious, he does need more confidence, and this comes with results."

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Martial netted a fantastic goal against the Toffees—his fourth in three matches in the Premier League—and also won the penalty that led to Paul Pogba's opener.

He had a glorious chance to score a second late on but was unable to beat Jordan Pickford when one-on-one with the England goalkeeper.

His recent performances, including scoring a double against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, have shown he has the ability to be one of the most productive attackers in the English top flight.

It is clear, though, that Martial still has some way to go to match the likes of Eden Hazard, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, particularly in physical terms, per Sky Sports MNF:

At 22, Martial has a great opportunity in 2018-19 to propel himself into the Premier League's elite.

And if he continues to perform as he has been recently he will be instrumental in United's efforts to force their way back into the Premier League's top four after their poor start to the campaign.

Significantly, Martial has reclaimed his position on the left flank from Alexis Sanchez and is unlikely to relinquish it easily.

The Chilean has not started any of United's last four matches, but he could yet return to the first team in a No. 9 role as Romelu Lukaku continues to struggle.