Former Cape Town Spurs coach Sean Connor has compared Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman to former Manchester United and Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson.
Connor handed Baartman his senior professional debut during their time together at Cape Town Spurs and believes the 20-year-old possesses the qualities needed to become a top striker.
The Irish coach praised Baartman’s movement, aggression and natural finishing ability, revealing that he was convinced of the youngster’s talent long before promoting him to the senior team.
Baartman impresses for Kaizer Chiefs
“I remember watching Luke Baartman every day with the Cape Town Spurs youth team,” Connor said.
“I loved his movement and his aggression. Then I went to watch him play for the DDC team, and the boy could finish. That’s when I realised he was a natural finisher.”
Connor said Baartman’s playing style reminded him of Larsson, one of Europe’s most intelligent forwards during his illustrious career.
“When I brought him into the first team, I even said to Luke, ‘Go and Google Henrik Larsson because I think you can play that type of striker.’
“I had spoken to Shaun Bartlett before about giving Luke an opportunity, but at that stage he probably felt Luke was still a bit too young.
“Then, when I was given the temporary reins, the very first thing I did was bring Luke into first-team training.
“What convinced me even more was that he wasn’t timid. He was doing the same things I’d seen him do with the youth team,” he said as per .
Baartman joined Kaizer Chiefs last season but was limited to only a handful of appearances during his debut campaign.
The striker has started the new season on a positive note, earning the Man of the Match award in Chiefs‘ 1-0 victory over Kruger United. His performance has raised expectations that he could play a key role for Amakhosi in the months ahead.
