Bayern Munich believe Alphonso Davies is “one of the best players of his generation” and the German giants are “delighted” to see the Vancouver Whitecaps Homegrown blossom into one of their first-team regulars, sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said in a recent interview.

The Canadian international has become a top option for the Bavarian side at left back this season, and his strong performances in November earned him a place – in elite company – on WhoScored’s European best XI for the month:

Alphonso Davies in WhoScored's European Team of the Month. pic.twitter.com/zVy99IC2KX — Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 7, 2019

“We signed Alphonso Davies a year ago because we saw him as one of the best players of his generation,” Salihamidizic said in a chat with the Abendzeitung newspaper. “We're delighted that this is now being confirmed with every game he plays.

“Our fans love him too. They've been waiting for such a young player who plays so naturally with pace, technique and a strong physical presence.”

The teenage phenom known as “Fonzie” around the Whitecaps locker room during his rapid rise in Vancouver is still just 19. While there’s still ample work to be done if he is to maintain his current trajectory, Salihamidizic’s effusive praise is striking.

“Alphonso can become a really important player at Bayern,” said the former Bosnian international. “We've now got to support and push him, but also protect him. What I'm happiest about when it comes to Alphonso is that he's the living proof that young players get opportunities at Bayern Munich when they work hard and have the quality.”