Maidstone United loanee Noah Nzuzi on manager Craig Fagan’s Patrick Vieira comparison and joining Middlesbrough as a 15-year-old

Maidstone United loanee Noah Nzuzi appreciated a big compliment from his new manager.

Stones boss Craig Fagan described Nzuzi as a Patrick Vieira-type midfielder following his debut in a 2-1 National League South win over Slough Town last weekend.

The on-loan Sutton youngster impressed after as a second-half substitute in place of Alex Stepien-Iwumene and also showed his versatility by finishing the game at right-back.

Fagan’s post-match Vieira comments went down well with Nzuzi, particularly coming from a man who also played in the Premier League.

“It’s a big compliment, from a big player himself,” said Nzuzi, 20.

“In the past he’s played for Hull City in the Premier League, so it’s good to receive praise from someone like him.

“I’m looking forward to learning more, playing more here and getting us in a better position.”

Fagan isn’t the first former Premier League player Nzuzi has worked with.

He spent three years at Middlesbrough, where his youth-team coach was former Boro and Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole.

Cattermole was a fierce competitor in his playing days and a man well worth listening to.

“He coached me from 15/16, and then he left, so it was a long time ago, but he said just stay confident and believe in what you’re doing,” said Nzuzi, who made 25 appearances in the U18 Premier League.

It was a big move as a teenager, heading to the north east to join Boro after being spotted playing grassroots football in London for Lambeth Tigers.

But he was never going to turn down the opportunity to play at such a big club and he enjoyed his time on Teesside.

“It was a long way for a 15-year-old to go,” said Nzuzi.

“It just came from playing grassroots football and I ended up going there for my scholarship.

“You’ve