Moussa Djenepo, the Southampton winger, has moved to play down speculation that he could be the next Sadio Mane - claiming he sees the Liverpool star as a 'big brother'.
The 21-year-old, who was signed by Ralph Hassenhuttl from Standard Liege last summer, has impressed in his debut campaign in England.
Before injury interrupted his season, Djenepo had drawn comparisons to Mane for his direct style of play and eye for goal.
But the man himself believes those thoughts might be a little premature.
According to the Southampton Daily Echo, Djenepo said: "I wouldn’t say [that was accurate]. Sadio is a great player and a great person.
"To compare the both of us, although it’s a compliment and a good thing, I know I’ve got a lot of work to do to get to his level.
"He is a big brother, someone I look up to, and I know I have to keep working hard."
Earlier in the season when the two sides met at St Mary's Stadium, Mane gave him advice and the pair shared a chat, Djenepo revealed.
He added: "He wished me the best of luck and told me to keep working hard. He gave me his shirt and it made me very happy.
"He came and found me in the tunnel afterwards and very kindly gave me his shirt.
"I couldn’t give mine to him because I’d already given it to one of the fans."
Mane is expected to miss the game with Southampton at Anfield this weekend through injury but could be back in time to face Norwich City after the Reds' winter break.
