Asante Kotoko's Mathew Cudjoe wants to be like Lionel Messi

Asante Kotoko prodigy Mathew Anim Cudjoe has set sights on emulating Argentina and Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.

The 16-year-old has been impressive in his debut Premier League season for the Porcupine Warriors.

His outstanding performances this term has seen being linked with a move to several clubs in Europe including PSG and Bayern Munich ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Cudjoe has already had trials at Barcelona and Bayern Munich and poised to become the next big thing in world football.

"I am focusing on my game," said Anim Cudjoe. "I am training, sleeping well and following the instructions that my father (Samuel Anim Cudjoe), coaches and my teammates are giving me," he told Kotoko Express App.

"I listen to them a lot and always try to do what they tell me to do. If God permits, I can reach the level where Lionel Messi, Abedi Pele, and Asamoah Gyan reached. That is my target."

The highly-rated youngster emerged onto the scene during the Premier edition of the Baby Jet Invitational tournament in 2018 where he was named the best player and top scorer of the tournament.

The forward joined Asante Kotoko on a season-long loan deal from second-tier club Young Apostles FC prior to start of the 2019/20 league season.