Daniel Sturridge couldn't help but make a prediction regarding young star Yan Diomande after watching the star's performance against Germany in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto
00:06, 21 Jun 2026Updated 00:10, 21 Jun 2026
Yan Diomande #11 of Cote d'Ivorie celebrates the goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D'Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Canada
Yan Diomande impressed Daniel Sturridge during the match against Germany, causing the latter to make a prediction(Image: Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Daniel Sturridge was impressed by Yan Diomande after his play against Germany during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Saturday, the 19-year-old and Ivory Coast battled Germany, and while Franck Kessie scored in the 30th minute to give the former the lead, Deniz Undav netted two goals in the 68th and in stoppage time to win the match for the latter. Diomnade was subbed out in the 85th minute, ending his afternoon.
Though he did not play a full match, what Sturridge saw was enough for him to praise the job the teenager had done, amid Liverpool's interest in the star growing, amid a $115 million price tag for his services.
Taking to X, Sturridge was effusive in his praise of the 19-year-old's ability against a strong German side. "Diomande is causing all kinds of trouble. Africa always produce amazing attackers and he’s next up. Love his game. #worldcup," the former Liverpool star said.
Fans on social media were just as impressed with Diomande as the 36-year-old was, believing the budding star has what it takes to be in the same realm as a former Liverpool great, who also happened to be from another African nation.
"Yan Diomande showing us all that Sadio Mane trait. Stand the defender up, slow, slow, slow and then boom! He’s gone. Impossible to defend. What a talent," the fan said of the teenager as they watched Diomande utilize his youth to make plays for Ivory Coast.
Daniel Sturridge speaks during the England FIFA World Cup 2026 squad announcement at Wembley Stadium on May 22, 2026 in London, England
Sturridge summed up Diomande's ability in a short post on social media(Image: Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
By and large, fans were impressed by the RB Leipzig star despite how the teenager began the match against Germany. Before the first hydration break, Diomande appeared to be struggling, unable to properly handle the ball or give it away needlessly.
After the first break, however, the star appeared to lock in, giving German star Joshua Kimmich a difficult time whenever the two were matched up. Despite his play improving as the match went on, Ivory Coast fell to the Germans 2-1, though before the contest, the 19-year-old made it clear how proud he was to represent where he is from.
In a press conference before his match against the 2014 World Cup champions, the star said it was a "dream" to star for his country and is an opportunity that he will enjoy for as long as he is able to.
"Participating in the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) was already an important achievement for me, but being selected for a World Cup is another level," he said.
"This has been an amazing year for me. I'm grateful for everything that's happening to me and I'm just going to continue to give my best on the pitch.
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"When you play in Germany, you quickly see that everything there is very structured. Discipline is very important, punctuality, and intensity in training.
"I learned a lot as a result, both on and off the pitch. Germany is a very strong team; they never give up and fight until the end. Add to that their individual quality.
"That makes them very strong. Florian Wirtz, for example, is a very creative player who finds solutions in the final third, even in tight spaces. Players like that can change a game with a single action."