Luke Littler has been dubbed the Cristiano Ronaldo of darts by his former coach.
The 16-year-old has been likened to the Portugal superstar ahead of his mega World Darts Championship semi-final against Rob Cross.
Littler takes on former champion Cross at Alexandra Palace this evening.
He has taken the darting world by storm in recent weeks, with victories over Matt Campbell and Raymond van Barneveld followed by the 5-1 demolition of Brendan Dolan on Monday.
Luke Littler has been likened to Cristiano Ronaldo
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Littler trained at the St Helens Darts Academy, with Karl Holden one of the coaches who helped him reach the recent heights.
Holden is used to seeing young darts prodigies but none to the level of Littler.
He told the Mirror: "I’ve seen a lot of good ‘uns. Mike Smith [the reigning world champion], Chizzy [Dave Chisnall] worked for me.
"I’ve watched them all when they were younger but I knew Luke was going to cause a lot of problems. He’s just a unique kid with a crazy talent."
Holden has also compared his skills to that of former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo.
Holden added: "In darts you’ve got to have sheer bottle, to keep your nerve.
"He’s got an abundance of confidence. Even before he was 13 we said ‘listen, we can’t help you anymore you’re too good’.
"Three months before he was 11 we had to throw him in the deep end with the under 21s.
"It took him six months before he won his first one. He was playing a lot of county youth players.
"What he’s got I couldn’t teach. He’s the Ronaldo of darts."
Littler is one win away from reaching the final, where he would face either Luke Humphries or Scott Williams.
Cross, who won the tournament in 2018, stands in his way.
But Holden is convinced Littler has the mental capacity to go all the way.
"He can win it," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "We knew he was good enough, we knew that before he started."
Holden has paid tribute to Littler's parents for their role in his rise to stardom.
He said: "His family have worked so hard, taking him to competitions and helping his career.
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Luke Littler has been dubbed the Cristiano Ronaldo of darts
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"Just taking him to darts events costs a fortune, staying in hotels around the country. They would have been left penniless."
Holden's shop in St Helens has also been inundated in recent weeks with people trying to buy Littler's replica darts.
"We’ve had the kids coming in this week saying ‘there’s Luke’s darts’," he continued.
Rob Cross stands in Luke Littler's way this evening
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"They’ve sold out worldwide now. Everyone wants his darts.
"I would say to other youngsters what I told Luke, just enjoy it.
"He’s lovely, he’s down to earth and sensible and a natural talent. He will be world elite."
