JOHN McDermott doubts whether there are many Conference strikers better at leading the line than Lenell John-Lewis.
The Grimsby Town legend watched the big forward, pictured, at first-hand earlier this month, during the Mariners' friendly at Harrogate.
And 'Macca' – assistant boss at the North Yorkshire club – believes the 25-year-old frontman is as good a target man as you could wish to see at non-league level.
"He's a really under-rated striker – he was the difference when he played against us," McDermott told the Telegraph.
"His hold-up play was superb and I don't think our two centre-halves have come across someone quite as strong as him before.
"He reminded me a bit of Tony Rees. I wouldn't say he's as clever as Tony, with the back-heels and all that, but his link-up play is spot on.
"You can play the ball into him and he will hold it for as long as you want.
"If you've got the right players running off him and understanding how to link up with him, he can be a massive handful.
"We were really impressed with him. I've always thought that, though, with every game I've seen him play.
"Even when he hasn't scored, it's about what he brings to the team."
John-Lewis was a regular starter for the Mariners last season, but failed to reach double-figures in the scoring charts.
Despite that, he has been in decent goalscoring form this pre-season, and netted another in this week's victory over Sunderland at Blundell Park.
McDermott believes the former Bury man is just the latest in a long line of under-appreciated target men.
"When fans hear the word 'striker' they automatically think of someone who can get 20 goals a season," added the man who made a record 754 appearances for Town.
"But right the way through the leagues teams will usually have one prolific striker and one grafter who links it all up.
"In the past with teams playing 4-4-2, one of those strikers always suffered. He'd do all the link-up play, while the other would be the poacher.
"Years ago we had Clive Mendonca and Steve Livingstone, or Lee Nogan and Jack Lester.
"John-Lewis seems to be the one who can win headers, got hold of it and lead the line.
"He does that really well and I doubt whether there will be many in the Conference better than him at leading the line this season."
