Italian Serie A teenage sensation Godfred Donsah has revealed Michael Essien has always been his role model.
He believes the AC Milan ace played a motivational part in his early development.
Speaking ahead of Cagliari's trip to Udinese for Sunday's fixture, Donsah who became one of Serie A's all-time youngest scorers last week with a goal at 17 years, said his key ambition is 'to become the next Michael Essien. Period!'
''Essien for a long time was the best in his position in the world, in my opinion. He scored an amazing goal against Arsenal in the mid 2000s and my deep love for his style, ability and personality started. I want to be as successful as him,'' Donsah revealed.
Donsah is a highly rated defensive midfielder in the opinion of many industry experts cast in the shadow of compatriot Essien.
Both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund were recently linked to the teenager by the German press.
Aside his Serie starts for Cagliari, Donsah is expected to headline for the Black Satellites should they qualify for the FIFA World Youth Championship.