Skip to main content

Claudio Ranieri has hailed English starlet Ryan Sessegnon as one of the best young players he has ever met.

The left-back turned winger featured in one of the games of the week on Saturday, recording two assists as Fulham defeated Southampton 3-2 in what was Ranieri's first game in charge. That victory brought to an end a run of six consecutive defeats for the Cottagers.

Former Leicester City boss Ranieri was wax lyrical about the 18 year-old following the win, praising his ability and footballing I.Q.

"He’s a young player with a lot of qualities," the Italian said according to the Evening Standard. "I think he’s one of the best young players that I’ve met.

"He must be exuberant and strong. But I saw him for the first time, for me he’s very intelligent. He will improve a lot.

fulham-fc-v-southampton-fc-premier-league-5bfbc72c14d2149f42000002.jpg

"He’s a young boy, a new manager has arrived. 'What happened?'

"Everybody wants to show their best. He’s a child. It’s not easy for him but I’m very happy and pleased with his performance."

Sessegnon has scored only a single goal for Fulham since their promotion from the EFL Championship, a far cry from the 16 he managed last season under recently sacked manager Slaviša Jokanović.

fulham-fc-v-arsenal-fc-premier-league-5bfbc8f114d2149d72000027.jpg

Under Ranieri, however, the Englishman could rediscover that form, as the Italian has not only given him a verbal nod of approval, but restored him to his favourite left wing position. He will look to keep producing good performances when Fulham travel to Chelsea on Sunday.