Bundesliga
"Phonzie is having a great season at left-back" - Manuel Neuer
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has heaped praise on Alphonso Davies, and his performances at left-back in particular.
With record signing Lucas Hernandez and centre-back Niklas Süle sidelined through injury, Davies has excelled on the left-hand side of defence in recent months, despite being a winger by trade.
The 19-year-old started Bayern’s last 13 competitive matches of 2019, producing four assists and earning his club’s December Player of the Month award to boot.
"Phonzie’s having a great season at left-back," Neuer told media of the former Vancouver Whitecaps star at Bayern's recent winter training camp in Doha, Qatar.
"He offers ability, as well as aggression in attack. That’s important for our game. It enables us to be more solid in the middle.
"Nothing phases him, and he plays with great freedom. I hope it continues."
Neuer also praised Davies’ transition to life in Germany and attitude in training.
The teenager left behind family, friends and a soccer culture when he made the switch to Bayern from his homeland in January 2019 - not that it showed.
"He was already playing well in the States, but he’s integrated himself into the team really well," Neuer explained.
"He’s a very positive guy who approaches the other players. It's been easy to get to know him, but he hasn't just impressed me."
Bayern interim coach Hansi Flick, for one, has spoken about Davies' "monumental development", while sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has tipped the Canada international to be "one of the best of his generation".
Davies being the smooth operator that he is, has taken it all in his gazelle-like stride.
"My first year with the team was great, I'm enjoying it at Bayern and I think I fit in well" he told the Bayern website.
"I'm satisfied with my performances, and the coach trusts me more and more.
"I always try to learn, to soak in everything the coaches and other players say and to implement it in my play. I have to keep learning and improving."
Davies, who started and finished a sensational team move in Bayern's recent friendly defeat to Nuremberg, is expected to start at left-back when the record champions resume their Bundesliga title defence away to Hertha Berlin on 19 January.
The game will be his 19th of the current season and 25th in his first year as a Bayern player. He has a pair of competitive goals against Mainz to go with his four assists.