Amad probably couldn't wait to join up with the Ivory Coast national team this summer. After a disappointing season with Manchester United, Amad would have been jumping at the chance to feature at the World Cup, an opportunity to remind everyone of what he can do on the biggest stage of all.
There's no getting away from the fact that Amad's campaign was poor. He contributed just two goals and four assists across all competitions, but he has already bounced back in two games at the World Cup.
Match-Winner Against Ecuador
Amad impressed from the bench in the Ivory Coast's opening game against Ecuador, scoring the match-winner with a superb first-time finish with his left foot.
"We needed that," he said after the win. "We came here to make history. This is the first competition for each of us, and we have been super motivated since the match against France. We were all mentally prepared.
"We're very, very happy with this victory. It doesn't stop there, but in the next two matches, we have to have the same mentality to try to win. We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuador players, they are physically strong. We had to try to impose our game."
When asked how he felt after scoring the winner, Amad responded: "It's a lot of emotions, first match at the World Cup and my first goal, but that's not my goal, that's to help the team and help the group move forward. Everyone wants to play, we are a team. The coach can make five substitutions, but not everyone can come on. Everyone is super ready."
Impressive Display Against Germany
Amad's performance earned him a starting role in the Ivory Coast's second game. Germany won 2-1, but they were fortunate to collect three points. The Ivory Coast had a 1-0 lead at half-time, a goal in which Amad had a hand, and he created a handful of chances at the start of the second half that were spurned.
Those missed chances denied Amad a well-deserved assist and ultimately proved costly, as Germany equalised with 20 minutes remaining, which set them up to snatch a victory in the sixth minute of added time.
Amad has looked like the 2024/2025 version of himself at the World Cup so far. The 23-year-old reached double figures for goals and assists in that campaign, and was United's most important player for a large part of it.
Potential New Role for Next Season
Interestingly, Amad caused problems for Ecuador and Germany when he drifted inside to central positions, which suggests that Michael Carrick should consider him as a false nine or No.10 next season. Amad has experience of playing down the middle from his successful Sunderland loan spell. Benjamin Sesko cannot start every game for United in a 60-match-plus season, and Amad is a genuine option to deputise in some matches.
Regardless of which position Amad is used in next season, it's just encouraging to see him back on form. Some pundits and fans wrote him off but every player should be given time and Amad's class is starting to shine through.
