Tongyik, 20, played his sixth A-League game on Thursday night against his former club Adelaide United where he was involved in Bruno Fornaroli’s fourth minute goal.

Valkanis already had previous experience working with the precocious talent at the Reds where the defender won the Youth Player of the Year award before joining City.

Even then Tongyik's game reminded him of Ivanovic, who held 59 caps for Australia from 1991 – 1998.

“I remember when he came into the youth and I was working with him at 15, that’s how we saw him – as a future Milan Ivanovic,” Valkanis said.

“I think it’s been a long time since in Australia where we’ve seen a footballer carry the ball into midfield and be so composed on the ball as a central defender. I think Milan Ivanovic was probably the last one.

“When he came in as a youngster, that’s what we saw. There’s not many central defenders in Australia with composure at that age to be able to bring the ball into midfield.”

Valkanis also said Tongyik needed to improve, but praised his work ethic on the pitch.

The tall defender is eligible to play for Sudan or Australia should he get the chance to play international football.

“I’m not saying tomorrow or next month (he’ll be a Socceroo), but I think he will be in the future if he keeps going this way,” Valkanis said.

“I think he showed his composure against the Reds on the pitch, but what I like about Ruon as well is he defended really well.

“Ruon stepped up again, a young man coming back home in front of his home crowd, he just showed glimpses of class we’ll see in the future I think.”