Emiliano Martinez has claimed Man United star Alejandro Garnacho is a 'little treasure' after the teenager made his Argentina debut in their friendly win over Australia.
Garnacho came on as a second-half substitute as the world champions earned a 2-0 win in Beijing on Thursday, with Lionel Messi and German Pezzella on target.
The 18-year-old had initially hoped to make his Argentina bow in March, but was forced to withdraw from the squad following an ankle injury.
Garnacho also missed out on playing for Argentina at a home Under-20 World Cup, after Man United declined a request to release him for the tournament.
While Garnacho only had a 16 minute appearance against Australia, the winger has already impressed his international team-mates.
Martinez hailed Garnacho's ability with the Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper expressing hope that he can eventually succeed veteran star Angel Di Maria as a key part of the team.
'He is a very humble guy. He came to work; he didn't talk a lot,' Martinez told TyC Sports.
'He is very eager to play.
'The truth is that he's a little treasure and I hope we can mould him so that he gives us as much as Angel Di Maria.'
Garnacho has committed to represent Argentina over Spain, with the winger having been born in Madrid and played three times for the Europeans under-18 side back in 2021.
The winger opted to pledge his international future to Argentina, where his mother's side of the family hail from.
'And if this is just a dream never wake me up. Beautiful,' Garnacho wrote on Instagram following his Argentina debut.
Garnacho will hope to feature for Argentina again on Monday when they face Indonesia in another friendly.
Another appearance would conclude a stunning breakout season for the teenager, who played 34 times for Man United this season in all competitions.
Garnacho was rewarded for his fine performances with a new five-year contract in April.