THE FORMER manager of a young football star in the making has tipped him to make it make it all the way to the top.

Founder and secretary of Ryan FC Richard Williams believes that Lyle Della-Verde, 15, who is on a youth scholarship at League Two Southend United, is destined for big things.

Della-Verde played on the left wing for Ryan’s under-12s and 13s’ teams and has a playing style similar to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, according to his manager at Ryan.

Williams, from Grove Road in Chingford, said: “I could tell straight away that he was a good player. He is quick and technically very good. He always liked to run with the ball and can beat seven or eight players. But sometimes I had to tell him that he should pass the ball.”

Della-Verde, who made Southend’s first-team bench for the FA Cup tie against Macclesfield in November of last year, will have a professional contract available to sign with the Shrimpers when he turns 17.  He was released from Tottenham Hotspur before playing for Ryan and was picked up at an open trial by Southend’s Centre of Excellence.

Williams added: “He has got a great attitude and he would listen and take advice on board.

“He’s also got a good physique for his age. He must be doing something right to be offered a professional contract and when he signs it Lyle will be the first player to do so through me.”