Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has heaped praise on Manchester United's Amad after he made the 80-man shortlist for the Golden Boy award.
After agreeing a £38million deal with Atalanta for the teenage winger last summer, Amad finally completed the move to Old Trafford in January.
The 19-year-old had only played 59 minutes of senior football in Italy so he initially played for the Under-23s as he acclimatised to life in England, but quickly proved he was a cut above with four goals and three assists in just four appearances for Neil Wood's side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer then brought Amad into the senior setup, giving him his debut as a substitute in the Europa League victory over Real Sociedad. He then went on to score on his first start for the club with an inventive finish against AC Milan.
The Ivorian has shown plenty of promise in his eight senior appearances at United to date and that potential has been recognised with a nomination for the Golden Boy award.
The prestigious accolade is awarded to the best young player in world football over a calendar year and Amad remained on the list of nominees after it was culled from 100 down to 80, alongside teammate Mason Greenwood.
Amad is currently preparing to represent his country in this summer's Olympic Games and his compatriot Drogba has sent him a message.
"Proud of you @amaddiallo19," Drogba wrote on his Instagram story over a post about Amad being nominated for the Golden Boy award.
"You're not only representing our country but the continent."
