Former Charlton colleagues and mentors Lee Bowyer, Steve Avory and Jason Pearce have all sung Ezri Konsa's praises, reflecting on the defender's journey from the Addicks' academy to the FIFA World Cup with England.
The defender made his World Cup debut for England on June 17th, helping the Three Lions secure an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their Group L opener.
Konsa has established himself as a key figure in Thomas Tuchel's side, completing a full 90 minutes in each of England's group stage fixtures, as well as Wednesday's 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the Round of 32.
Speaking to CharltonTV in 2017, Konsa said: “I want to play for my country and it makes me more hungry knowing that I believe in myself. I think if I keep doing what I am doing, if I keep improving myself and listening to the coaches, I could possibly go far, and who knows I could play for the first-team.”
Fast-forward nine years later, and the defender has cemented his place in the England squad, as the team set their sights on the biggest prize in world football.
Former Addicks manager Lee Bowyer expressed warm admiration for Konsa's international achievements.
“When I first went to Charlton I was just a coach and Ezri was playing in midfield at the time," he said.
"I noticed his attention to detail in everything he does, he takes things on board very quickly. When I took over as manager, I played him in defence, it just seemed so easy for him. I played with Rio Ferdinand and he reminded me of a younger Rio the way he played. He would always be in front, he read the game so well, he was always one step ahead of everyone."
“He was a pleasure to work with," continued Bowyer.
"Everything you told him he took on board and he delivered it in game time. You could tell he was going to be a top, top player. You could tell with the way he was so comfortable on the ball, especially in todays game, defenders have to be able to play, to receive the ball, pass the ball. He had that in abundance, even at such a young age and that is why he is doing so well, it is so natural to him."
“From the time I managed at Charlton, I knew who would go to the top," he added.
"The best thing about him, was his attitude. I have met him on a few occasions since then and spoken to him on the phone a bit and he is just a nice down to earth lad who just wants to work hard and be the best he can.
“I am proud to say I have worked with someone who is up there and one of the mainstays in the England team. To sit there and watch him play for England is a proud feeling.”
Meanwhile, club legend and former defensive partner, Jason Pearce, also reserved special praise for his former teammate.
"I played with Ezri when he was coming through the academy and in the first team," he said.
"He came through as quite a respectful boy but with a lot of self-confidence, which you need.
"As a player, he still does what he is doing for England now, which is being very comfortable on the ball and he can step past people and win fouls or step past and show good distribution to progress the ball forward."
"He read the game really well at such a young age, I thought he showed high potential when I played with him. He had all the attributes that straight away people liked in a young player," Pearce explained.
"Watching England, watching him play and being so comfortable in an England shirt, I felt privileged to have played with him."
"It is great to watch him play on the biggest stage at the World Cup. I still send the odd message to him and he comes back to me, he is still really humble. I am delighted for him and delighted for the Charlton academy."
Konsa totalled 86 appearances for the Addicks in all competitions after progressing through the ranks at Sparrows Lane and recently explained how former Academy Director Steve Avory had a positive impact on his development.
"Steve has played a big part in my career. He was always the man to push me, motivate me, and remind me how good I was. Even to this day we still speak. He's a big part of to why I am here now," he told England's Lions Den show.
Avory was flattered to hear the defender's words: “It was very humbling to hear, and I appreciate the words that he said. It is what you do it for, it really is. It was typical of him really, because he never forgets his roots, he is in touch from time to time."
"You don’t think too much about it at the time when you are working with these players but now it’s very rewarding and humbling when the players get to the level that they get to now," he added,
Avory was delighted to see the academy graduate represent the Three Lions at the World Cup, and spoke fondly of Konsa's character.
“He came in to us as a schoolboy at 12 years of age, and there are a lot of years between the age of 12 and 18/19 when he moved on and in towards the first team - you see a young boy develop into a young man.
“In those years I can see why people talk about him and see him as a leader now because, gradually, I saw those leadership qualities grow year upon year.
“He loved coming to training and loved his football. We had a partnership with a local school in Eltham [Harris Academy], we had that link for a number of years. That was a massive benefit to Ezri and we saw a big improvement in his self-discipline, that he now has in abundance.
“It is a pinch yourself moment, as it can be to the players, when you realise the stage that they are on. Knowing Ezri, he will take it in his stride, because he can with the level of experience, but it will mean a great deal to him, because he always remembers where he came from."
Konsa and the Three Lions return to World Cup action in the early hours of Monday morning as they face a crunch tie against co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 (1am BST).
