Amad Diallo thinks it feels "impossible" to be compared to "legends" like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure as he remains determined to forge his own path for Ivory Coast.
Manchester United attacker Amad has made just 15 appearances for Ivory Coast since his debut in March 2021, but, at 23 years old, is already seen as one of the leaders among the group.
He has been directly involved in four goals (three goals, one assist) in his four matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping his nation to the quarter-finals.
Heading into the last eight, only Nigeria's Ademola Lookman had more goal involvements (seven), while no player was involved in more shots than Amad (24 – 15 shots, nine chances created).
And his performances so far have drawn comparisons to Ivory Coast's record goalscorer Drogba as well as midfielder Yaya Toure, who helped the nation to their second AFCON title in 2015.
"I feel really good, relaxed, free [on the pitch]," Amad told Stats Perform when asked about his strong start to AFCON.
"I'm in a good place physically and mentally. I try to give the maximum of myself on the pitch.
"I'm here to be one of the offensive leaders. Comparisons with legends like Didier Drogba or Yaya Toure are impossible. They wrote their own history. They are legends of African and European football.
"I try to follow my own path, stay humble, and help my country win a fourth star."
Amad is playing at the AFCON for the first time, having missed Ivory Coast's triumph two years ago due to injury.
With three goals to his name already in 2025, only Laurent Pokou (eight in 1970 and six in 1968) and Joel Tiehi (four in 1994 and 1998) have netted more for the three-time winners in a single edition of the tournament.
And Amad is keen to not only keep improving but also help those around him after gaining more experience, not only at international level but also with United.
"It's true that I'm 23, but I've gained a lot of experience. Today, I'm one of the leaders of this team, and it gives me great pleasure to have that responsibility," he added.
"I try to give advice to the younger players, even though we're all young. I try to share some of the experience I've gained at Manchester United.
"I also tell them to stay humble, because that's what makes the difference between a good player and a great one. Staying humble, focused and concentrated in every match – that's what makes the difference, and that's what we're doing right now."
Ivory Coast face Egypt in the quarter-finals on Saturday with the hope of continuing their title defence and becoming the first team to win back-to-back editions since the Pharaohs (three in a row between 2006 and 2010).
As well as having his eye on that trophy, Amad also has ambitions of clinching a specific individual award.
"Winning the African Ballon d'Or is one of my life goals," he added.
"I'll do everything possible to achieve it one day."