Joao Pedro has been tipped as Brazil’s No.9 of the future after he powered Albion through to the Europa League last 16.

The summer signing from Watford fired home in the 88th minute to secure a memorable 1-0 win over Marseille and clinch top spot in Group B.

But Glenn Murray believes we have still not seen the best of the 22-year-old.

Joao Pedro made his Brazil debut recently as a substitute in Colombia.

Murray got a preview of what he can do when the two were briefly colleagues at Watford.

He gave a glowing reference when Albion were keen on bringing Joao Pedro from Vicarage Road.

Murray said: “He was skinny but he just had something extra special. You couldn’t get the ball off him.

“And then his footwork and the way he could manipulate the ball, I was like, ‘Wow this kid is the real deal’.

“We have got a really good South America contingent so it is a bit of a home away from home.

“As far as Joao is concerned, I really feel he could be Brazil’s No.9 in the future.

“He can only get better and that was only a glimpse of what he can do.”

Joao Pedro is now outright top scorer in the Europa League with six and will look to add to his five Premier League goals when Albion go to Arsenal on Sunday (2pm).

Murray was speaking at a Legends Lunch to raise funds and awareness for the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation, which supports 5,000 children, young people and adults every week.