by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Leipzig coach Ole Werner believes 19-year-old Yan Diomande has the qualities to build a top-class career.

Since joining the "Red Bulls" in 2025 from Spanish second-division side CD Leganes, the Cote d'Ivoire international has quickly moved into the spotlight.

Werner has been impressed not only by the forward's return of 12 goals and eight assists in 31 games, but also by the fact that, according to data supplier OPTA, he leads the Bundesliga in successful one-on-one duels.

His total of 361 successful duels puts him top of the league's defensive rankings.

"It's the complete package that will help him build a world-class career," Werner said after the forward helped push Leipzig back into the UEFA Champions League places with a 3-1 win in Frankfurt.

Alongside the Leipzig coach's praise for the youngster's ability to create space, the player's adaptability has also played a part in his rise.

Because of his punctuality, he earned the nickname "The German."

After repeatedly being fined for arriving late early in his time at Leipzig, "I took up German habits, while being late in Spain wasn't a big thing," the striker said in an interview for RB's social media publications.

Leipzig paid 1.5 million euros for Diomande, who signed a contract until 2030, while football website transfermarkt.de currently values him at 75 million euros.

Media reports have linked him with clubs such as Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool.

Diomande said he has dedicated his career to his younger sister, who died in 2024. "All I want is to make her happy, even though we can't share my achievements."

Raised in modest circumstances and forced to play barefoot in his early years, he worked his way up, with football appearing to offer his only route out of poverty.

Leaving his home country helped him gain independence. "Today, I could live entirely on my own," he told the club portal after improving his language skills with the help of translation apps.

The Abidjan-born attacker has also attracted attention in Germany because Cote d'Ivoire is one of the country's opponents in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"He seems unstoppable and is a spectacular game changer," his club coach said, while noting the player's young age.

Werner compared him to Bayern wingers such as Luis Diaz and Michael Olise "because they deliver goals and defensive actions at the same time."

The Leipzig striker has also spoken about his desire to score against Germany in the World Cup group match on June 20.