Arsenal's in-form striker Danny Welbeck has brushed aside comparisons to the club's record goalscorer Thierry Henry, but did reveal that the French superstar remains an 'idol' that he'd love to emulate as he continues to develop as a centre-forward at the Emirates Stadium.
Welbeck made Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's decision to sanction a £16m deadline-day switch to Arsenal look pretty foolish on Wednesday night, slamming home his first senior hat-trick against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
The England international produced the kind of clinical finishing in that 4-1 win that was thought to be lacking by Van Gaal, with his second strike in particular baring more than a passing resemblance to Henry's trademark curling strike from the left-hand side.
Hysteria surrounding that breakthrough performance has seen Welbeck showered with praise and even likened to the 228-goal Gunners legend in some circles, but he told the Daily Star those claims are premature to say the least.
Related Articles
-Arsenal fans must not get caught up in Welbeck hype
-Danny Welbeck tipped to outscore Radamel Falcao
Welbeck wants the hype train halted
The Red Devils outcast said: You can't start making comparisons like that.
"Obviously Thierry Henry is someone I've looked up to ever since I started playing football."
Unfortunately for Welbeck his fantastic start to life as an Arsenal player means he'll be a victim of his own success in terms of media attention.
Four goals in five games for the Gunners is a far better start than his hero Henry made to life in North London, but you have to feel that Welbeck's drive to prove Van Gaal wrong is playing some part in that.
There's also the confidence provided by a show of faith from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who clearly believes that Welbeck can develop the ruthless streak to become a top centre-forward.
The 23-year-old has always possessed pace, power and a very strong work-ethic, but Red Devils fans never really got the chance to see if he could cut as the main man at Old Trafford.
When you consider Welbeck was on United's books from age of eight that's a very disappointing outcome, but Van Gaal's loss looks likely to be Arsenal's gain and on a long-term basis to boot.