Luke Littler has risked angering Phil Taylor after saying that the darts icon 'would struggle' in the modern era.
Taylor established himself as a legend off the sport during his prime years, winning 16 world titles throughout his glittering career.
Littler, meanwhile, became the youngest world champion in history when he beat Michael van Gerwen to win the World Darts Championship back in January.
The teenager is a sensation, with many expecting him to dominate the sport for many years to come.
Luke Littler has risked angering Phil Taylor after saying that the darts icon 'would struggle' in the modern era
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And Littler, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, has now risked a backlash from Taylor by saying that his childhood icon 'would struggle' due to the quality of himself and others in the modern era.
When asked about potentially breaking Taylor's record of 16 titles, the 18-year-old said: "There's a record there to be broken, but it's going to take some doing.
"He also won the World Matchplay 16 times, so he's won two of the big majors 16 times. It'll take some doing.
"It [the competition] is a lot better now. You still had Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow... it was still a good field, but, nowadays, I think Phil would struggle."
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Taylor has had nothing but positive things to say about Littler.
His record of 16 titles remains safe for the time being, yet it's unclear what the future could hold.
Littler, elaborating further on potentially surpassing Taylor, added: "Phil Taylor was my idol.
"If I can be bothered to stay in darts for that time, I could maybe beat his record.
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"He was 52 when he won his 16th world title. If I want to then I will."
Littler even joked that the 'money' would be the biggest factor when it comes to how long he keeps playing for.
The PDC recently announced that the winner of the next World Championship would pocket a staggering £1million, as opposed to the £500,000 figure it was before.
Meanwhile, speaking last month, darts icon Bobby George was asked about Littler and Taylor.
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And he expressed a belieff that Littler was levels above the 64-year-old, despite his young age.
“Look, he [Taylor] was a great player, you have your day," he said on the talkBULL podcast.
“[But] you get to a certain age in your life in your sport, everyone has it, and your body doesn't allow you to play as you used to.
“If he played Littler now he’d get slaughtered, it'd be most embarrassing."
Luke Littler is 15 world titles behind Phil Taylor, having won the World Darts Championship at the start of the year
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When quizzed further, he added: "The thing is, he's [Taylor is] retired. He played in the Seniors and he can't even win in the Seniors.
“So playing a guy that's one of the greatest players in the world at this time, he's got no chance
“If he does it for the money, then alright, take the bees and honey.
“But he takes all the credit for what he's done, and a young guy of 18 beats him up.
"He ain't got a chance, he's too good the young boy, he's too good."
