Pumuckl is said to be popular with many German children and is described as “cheeky but funny”. And, like Amini, the animated Pumuckl has a shock of wild red hair.

The publication posed the question: was Amini Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp’s “new Pumuckl?”

Bild also went on to sing the praises of the17-year-old playmaker who is currently in Germany trialing with the high-flying Bundesliga side.

“[He is an] exceptional talent  - a true football exotic from down under,” wrote the publication which also estimated the Young Socceroo’s market value at around $350,000.

“Now he wants to make the leap to Europe, has been training a few days with the BVB players," they wrote.

The story featured in the national newspaper and was one of the main splash banner front page stories at the top of their website homepage.

Klopp said yesterday that Amini was a "really great talent" but signalled the player was only being looked at for the club's reserve and youth ranks at this stage. 

Amini’s Facebook page has also been inundated with new fans from Germany. “Stay at our club, hopefully you will join our team,” wrote one new fan.

Another posted: “Welcome to Dortmund, I hope that Michael Zorc [Dortmund Sporting Director] recognizes your big talent, in the next season you play in the most beautiful stadium in the world with the loudest fans and for the coming German Bundesliga champions!"

The Central Coast Mariner has also been called into Holger Osieck’s German-based national team training camp for future Socceroos. Amini is set to rejoin Dortmund early next week to continue his trials.