He has been linked with Real Madrid and likened to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, but Aberdeen-born Ryan Gauld is more likely to be doing household chores than letting the plaudits go to his head.
The 17-year-old from Laurencekirk has earned rave reviews for his performances for Dundee United this season, netting five times in 14 games.
Gauld stands a mere 5ft 5in but the inevitable Messi comparisons are not just based on stature. The youngster’ close control, balance and eye for goal have all drawn rave reviews.
While playing in La Liga may be a long way off, the teenager is set to feature for the Scotland under-21 side after being given his first call-up by manager Billy Stark for tomorrow night’s European championship qualifier against Georgia at St Mirren Park.
Humble and quietly spoken, there is little chance of Gauld getting carried away.
He said: “I have been aware of the hype, but I have not taken it in. I hear and see things, but then they leave my head straight away.
“I don’t sit and think about it, I just try to get on with my football. My mum and dad make sure that it does not get into my head. I can’t let things change no matter how much my name might get mentioned.
“It is my aim to make an impact on the pitch every time I play so the rest of it just comes with the job. It is not something I can help. It is a good sign if your name is getting mentioned.
“I still stay at home and get treated like a normal teenager. Nothing has changed since I was 13 or 14. My mum still gets me to do all the usual jobs around the house.”
Gauld has been taken aback by the Messi comparisons and said: “I just laugh it off. All the headlines can be a bit baffling, but I don’t let them get into my head.
“I have watched Messi ever since he started playing in Barcelona’s first team and he is the best player in the world. He is someone I would always look up to and try to base my game around.
“I can’t compare anyone to Messi because he is from a different planet. I see him do things and wonder how. I don’t tend to try them myself in case I end up embarrassing myself. Some of the stuff is unbelievable. You can’t replicate that in training or on the pitch.”
Gauld, who signed an extension to his Dundee United contract which will keep him at Tannadice until 2016, is thrilled with the prospect of playing for Stark’s under-21 side.
He said: “I was not really expecting a call-up so I was delighted when I saw my name in the squad. I am happy with how much I have played this season.
“I have to be thankful to the manager Jackie McNamara at Dundee United for trusting me and believing I can do a job for the team. I have to keep taking my chances when they come along for me.
“It has been a great week for me, signing the new contract, getting the under-21 call-up and then scoring two goals against Motherwell last Saturday in our 4-0 win.”