by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- German record international Lothar Matthaus is rarely lost for words. But when assessing Frankfurt's rising star Can Uzun, the 64-year-old TV pundit paused.

"Wow," he said, before adding "world-class" and comparing the 19-year-old with his own early career. "He is better than I was at that age," said the 1990 FIFA World Cup champion and seven-time German champion.

Ahead of Frankfurt's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening, the Turkish international has stepped firmly into the spotlight of European football.

Capable of playing across the front line, Uzun is being tipped for a top career. Eintracht sporting director Markus Krosche has called him a "game-changer" and a "fixed point" for the team.

After a year spent learning in the shadow of Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike - who have since departed for Manchester City and Liverpool - Uzun's time has arrived. Despite just beginning his international career, he now faces a pivotal test.

Following his first Champions League appearance against Galatasaray, he will take on Atletico at the Estadio Metropolitano, before Frankfurt meets Bayern in the Bundesliga only days later.

"It's an incredible opponent," Uzun said, expressing his anticipation.

The Regensburg-born forward has already tallied five goals and three assists this season. He became the first Frankfurt player to score in each of his first five league matchdays.

Inspired by Marmoush and Ekitike, Uzun dedicated time in the gym, hired a mental coach and responded to demands for stronger defensive contributions. "The talks we had about his need to intensify his defensive work paid off," Krosche said.

"He had to get used to the intensity," Krosche added.

"I don't mind the hype, I just want to pay it back and raise my standards," Uzun said, while brushing off comparisons with Bayern prodigy Jamal Musiala.

"I don't want to become the next Musiala. I want to be the first Can Uzun," said the three-time capped player.

Krosche praised the striker's responsibility, decision-making and improvements on defense. Meanwhile, Matthaus continues to marvel at his rapid rise.

For Uzun, though, the focus remains clear. "We want to fight back and take something home," he said of the upcoming Atletico test. ■