Chris Sutton has advised Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane to make Raheem Sterling his primary transfer target this summer.
Sterling was in electric form during the international break, with four goals in two games helping England to a pair of five-goal victories.
The Manchester City also stood up to racist abuse from Montenegro supporters on Monday night, and the way Sterling has handled himself has convinced Sutton of his world class credentials.
“You have to say that Raheem Sterling is now world class,” Sutton told the Daily Mail.
“If you were Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, surely you would want to buy him over Eden Hazard. Is there anything Sterling cannot do? His weight of pass is superb, his movement off the ball is lethal and he has become deadly in front of goal.
“What defender in the world would want to face Sterling in this form? It doesn’t matter if you take him on or back off — either way he will destroy you.
“He is still just 24 and improving year on year. His wonderful performances for England in the last two games have confirmed that he can thrive on the international stage.
“Sterling is one of the hottest properties in world football. If I was Real Madrid, I’d be making him my No.1 target.”