"I think he can become a lot better. I would say he probably has five golden years still ahead of him."

"I think he can become a lot better. I would say he probably has five golden years still ahead of him."

England forward's coach Matt Proudfoot says Maro Itoje could be at the start of "five golden years" as he enters the prime of his career.

Itoje is expected to go on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour and has even been tipped by many to captain the side against South Africa, the side Proudfoot helped to World Cup glory last year.

"Maro has incredible drive," Proudfoot told BBC Sport.

 

"I think he can become a lot better. I would say he probably has five golden years still ahead of him."


 

Itoje put in a stellar shift against Ireland where he was named man of the match and Proudfoot praised his desire to improve.


 



"Monday morning he was one of the first players I got to see," continued Proudfoot.

"He wanted to go through his game, he wanted to know where he can improve, what his focus is for the week.

"When you have a player that is that determined to improve, it is understandable to see performances like that.

 

"I think there is a lot of growth left in him as a young man."

 

 
 
 
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