For sure. Anyone who can get into the ring with Pogacar and prevail (or even put up something resembling a fight) has incredible class. MVP is an absolute unit.
It's kind of stunning to think MVP is our last and sole line of defense against Pogacar domination of the monuments. God forbid MVP gets hurt or something - hard to imagine anyone else going toe-to-toe.
On another topic, watching today's Vuelta stage I was struck by how little Ricitello is. He looks a good bit smaller than Vingegaard, just a wildly tiny guy. Anyone have his stats?
But even "early talent" is not the same as "talent". Lots of dominant juniors don't find massive success as pros. Always good to know the scope of the debate or else it is open to lots of moving goalposts.