Diomande on Bayern star Olise: „I’m not trying to learn from him“ | OneFootball

Michael Olise is now one of FC Bayern’s biggest stars, but RB Leipzig youngster Yan Diomande does not want to be directly linked with the Frenchman – although he has great respect for his performances

Michael Olise has developed into an absolute top performer at FC Bayern in a very short space of time. After an outstanding season with 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 competitive matches, the Frenchman is now even being talked about as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or

Nevertheless, not every young attacking player seems to see the Bayern star as a direct role model

Before the test match between France and the Ivory Coast, RB Leipzig talent Yan Diomande was asked about possible comparisons with Olise. The 19-year-old is himself regarded as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe and was recently voted the best young player in the Bundesliga

With 13 goals and ten assists in 36 competitive matches, the Ivorian played his way onto the wish lists of numerous top clubs last season – Bayern are also said to have him on their radar

„I’m not orienting myself towards him“

In an interview with ESPN, however, Diomande made it clear that he is not specifically targeting Olise

„I’m not trying to learn from him,“ explained the Leipzig man, while at the same time emphasizing his respect for the Bayern star: „I have great respect for him, but I don’t model myself on him.“

However, Diomande did not want his statements to be understood as criticism, as he is clearly pursuing a broader approach to his development

„I want to achieve something similar to him, but I watch him on TV when Bayern play, just like I watch Harry Kane or Luis Díaz, because they are top players.“

The 19-year-old then added: „I learn something from them, but it’s not like I just go in front of the TV to watch him play.“

Big goals for the future

Diomande makes no secret of the fact that he has big ambitions himself

„I have a different dream every day, it depends on my mood. Maybe tomorrow I want to win the Ballon d’Or,“ explained the attacking player with a smile

photo: Getty Images

At the moment, however, his focus is on the World Cup with Côte d’Ivoire, where his team will face Germany, among others, in the group stage

For Diomande, the main focus is on team success

„I think about the team first, because I know that it will be easier for me if we play as a team,“ he emphasized.