Theo Walcott compares Saints' Tino Livramento to Gareth Bale

Livramento’s rise has been charted with intrigue since arriving from Chelsea’s academy in the summer, culminating in 11 consecutive Premier League appearances and an October player of the month nomination.

The 19-year-old, who only just celebrated his birthday last week, had never played a senior game before stepping straight into the big leagues with Saints.

And now speaking to talkSPORT, Saints’ experienced head Walcott has likened the youngster to four-time Champions League winner Bale.

Read more

• FIVE players Saints could be without for this weekend's trip to Norwich
• Norwich announce Smith as new head coach ahead of Saints visit
• 'Always going to be tough' - Armstrong assesses his first three months at Saints

Like Livramento, Bale began his professional career playing as a full-back with Saints – before he moved on to become a UEFA superstar with Real Madrid and Wales, via Tottenham Hotspur.

Four-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale (Pic: PA)

Walcott said: “You know what, he actually reminds me a little bit of Gareth (Bale) coming through as a full-back.

“I just feel like his presence, the way he drives, his pace and power – there’s no surprises, you know what he’s going to do but he is so strong with the ball and very clever, technically he’s fantastic.

“He’s got great people around him to work with him and the great thing about Southampton is he’s got so many youth players around him.”

Gareth Bale playing for Saints in 2006 (Pic: PA)

He continued: “I think it’s important to have similar age players close to you, I remember when I came through it was a lot of experienced players which was very different, but I feel like he will be able to fit right in with this generation of team coming through now.

“I feel like he’s going to have a very good career.”

Many supporters have already suggested that they could see a future with Livramento further up the pitch due to his confidence and attacking qualities, in a similar fashion to Bale’s move up to become a forward.

Walcott also gave his assessment of Livramento’s attributes: “Do you know what I can see from Tino is an aura about the place which has changed completely, when you get some confidence playing.

Tino Livramento scored his first senior goal in the 2-2 draw with Burnley (Pic: Stuart Martin)

“He’s not as shy, timid around the place, he’s got a bit more of a presence and it just shows that there is a future star there. But we have got to be careful, like we always do, but it’s why we love football isn’t it, he’s been absolutely fantastic and I can’t complain.

“The way he drives with the ball forward, so strong, a big lad for his age. I’m amazed he’s not really played before in the Premier League I must be honest.

“I’m amazed that Southampton picked him up from Chelsea because it’s a really good buy, hopefully we can keep hold of him as I’m sure teams will be sniffing around.”