Ex-Hornet Alleyne 'a future England player'

They say never fall in love with a loan player – and for Max Alleyne, that could not be more fitting.

While his time at Watford was short and sweet, the young centre-back had begun to make a real impact at Vicarage Road.

The 20-year-old made 16 league appearances for the Hornets across a spell which saw Javi Gracia's side lose just one of their last 13 matches.

While central defence is a position with more cover than most at Watford, his recall to Manchester City felt like a real blow.

As gutting as it is for Watford supporters to see Alleyne return to his parent club, the feeling was somewhat quelled watching him slot into City's starting XI right away.

And having impressed on his Premier League debut in Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, there is no doubt in my mind that Alleyne will one day find himself playing for England.

Already an international at various youth levels up to Under-21, the defender looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and passing it around the backline, often breaking lines or firing it into Erling Haaland.

It is fair to say he began the match looking nervous and was not flawless, but the biggest compliment you can give Alleyne is that you would not have known it was his Premier League debut.

To do that at the age of 20 is impressive in any position, but doing so in the heart of defence has meant Alleyne caught the eyes of many – all while not even being available as an option on the Premier League's own Fantasy Football game.

And somewhat fittingly, he did it lined-up alongside fellow former Watford loanee Nathan Ake.

How many more matches he will feature in this season is yet to be determined. And who knows, perhaps once Manchester City's injury crisis is resolved, we may see Alleyne back at Vicarage Road for the remainder of the season.

But one thing that is for certain – remember the name, Max Alleyne.