De Zerbi said Milan target Estupiñán ‘could become one of the best in the world’

Two years ago, then-Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi described Pervis Estupiñán as having the potential to “become one of the best left-backs in the world”, with his quotes re-surfacing after reports linked the Ecuadorian with a move to Milan.

Rumours have intensified over the past couple of days surrounding the 27-year-old’s future at Brighton, where De Zerbi used to coach the player. Milan appear to have identified the talented left-back as a replacement for Theo Hernandez, who left the club to join Al-Hilal this summer.

De Zerbi billed Estupiñán for great things

Speaking two years ago, with quotes via PianetaMilan, when De Zerbi was Estupiñán’s head coach at Brighton, the Italian said “I have to admit that Pervis is one of the most important players for us” due to his versatility, continuing “he started out as a left-back but you can also find him in the attack.”

De Zerbi described the Ecuadorian as “very intelligent” and praised the defender for “improving his first touch and passing” under his guidance but admitted “I’m always pushing him further.”

The Marseille head coach added that “if he gets his first touch and passing skills perfect, I think he can become one of the best left-backs in the world.”

Estupiñán has failed to emerge as a leading star after De Zerbi left Brighton but Milan may be encouraged that a coach like the Italian identified Estupiñán’s untapped potential.