PAUL INCE last night controversially claimed that Carlos Marinelli's precocious talent already eclipses the proven quality of all-time Middlesbrough favourite Juninho.

Argentinian Marinelli, signed by Bryan Robson from Boca Juniors for £1.5m two years ago, has emerged as a key figure this season under Steve McClaren's new regime.

Brazilian Juninho won a permanent place in the hearts of Boro fans with his bewitching skills, and was voted the greatest player in the club's history in an official supporters' poll.

But skipper Ince, who played alongside Juninho during his second spell with Boro two seasons ago when he returned on loan from Atletico Madrid, is convinced that 19-year-old Marinelli now has the edge on his fellow South American.

Marinelli's arrival on Teesside coincided with Juninho's second coming, though they only played together twice when the youngster appeared as a substitute.

Now Marinelli is an automatic choice and Ince, who today returns from a three-match ban for the visit to former club Liverpool, believes the midfield prodigy is vital to Boro as manager McClaren looks to consolidate their place in the Premiership.

Ince said: "Carlos is an outlet for us and people are scared of him. He attracts two or three players towards him all the time, which gives others space.

"This club hasn't had that since Juninho. As far as I'm concerned, he's a better player than Juninho - he's more skilful.

"Juninho was dangerous running with the ball, he would beat players with his sharpness, but Carlos beats them with his skill and ability. In time Carlos will be a hell of a player.

"He's very talented. His head wasn't right last year because obviously he wanted to play.

"But we were struggling and every game was a battle, fighting for points, and it wasn't the right time to bring him in.

"This year, with a new gaffer, he's been brought in and he has blossomed. Some of the stuff he does is fantastic and he can only get better. I still believe he can get a bit fitter, which will come with games.''

Boro are praying Marinelli shakes off an ankle injury so he can display his skills at Anfield.

"It's great when he's in the side because he can always win games for you,'' said Ince. "He is definitely not one for the future, but one for now.

"With us playing 4-4-2, he is better playing on the right and coming inside to hit left-foot shots, rather than playing the other way round. He feels comfortable there and the more he plays there the better he will get, but I wouldn't say that's his natural position; that's probably in the hole behind the front two.''

Ince, meanwhile, is preparing himself for a clash with the player who has taken over his mantle as midfield enforcer with Liverpool and England.

At 21, Steven Gerrard is 13 years younger than old warhorse Ince, who is relishing the tussle with an upstart he reckons is destined to be the best midfield player in the world.

Ince said: "He's very young and people get carried away with young players; they're the best in the world, in Europe or whatever.

"Steve is not going to be at his peak until he's 26 or 28, but I remember when I went to Liverpool, he was in the reserves and used to train with us. He had all the big names around him and he didn't give a monkeys; he used to smash people and I thought to myself 'he's going to be a player' - and he's proved it.

"At the moment he is one of the best in the Premiership. Patrick Vieira is the best in Europe and that's the level he's got to reach - people like Vieira and Roy Keane.

"Steve has youth on his side and I'm sure that once he gets to his mid-twenties he will be the best midfield player in the world.

"They are fast games at Liverpool and when you're up against people like Steve you know there will be a lot of tackles flying about and you have to be ready for that so, hopefully, I can do the business.

"Even at my age I feel I can play against these players. It's nice to put yourself up against Steve Gerrard and try to come out on top.

"I've still got more experience than players like him. For people like me and Robbie Mustoe, as old as we are, it's going to be a challenge, but that's when you test yourself to see if you've still got it.

"It's a yardstick not just for me and Robbie, but for the club to see how far we've come."

Ince made an acrimonious exit from Liverpool over two years ago, when he accused manager Gerard Houllier and assistant Phil Thompson of treating him "like dirt''.

He said: "At the time it hurt because I didn't see it coming, but I enjoyed my two years there and it was a bit of a shock when I realised my time was up.

"But there's no malice there like there is when I go back to West Ham. I didn't want to leave Liverpool, but I had to go. I think the fans understand that, they know I always gave 100 per cent, so I have no worries about going there again.

"Liverpool is a great game to come back to. I never wanted to leave them or Manchester United.''

Thompson has been holding the reins at Anfield while Frenchman Houllier recovers from major heart surgery.

Liverpool are three points clear at the top of the Premiership with a game in hand on second-placed Arsenal.

But Ince insists clubs like Liverpool effectively runs themselves. He said: "With the players they've got, Liverpool and Man. United would probably do well without a manager; the players are great and they don't really need the manager.

"Obviously I was sorry to see what happened to Gerard Houllier and I'm pleased he's recovering, but Phil Thompason is good and the players have done the job.

"I would say it's Liverpool or Arsenal for the title.''

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