French superstar Thierry Henry has made a positive impact on his new teammates at New York Red Bulls. One in particular is young striker Juan Agudelo who admits that a friendship with the former Arsenal and Barcelona star is beginning to blossom.

The 18-year old, who has made as many USA appearances as MLS games, says that Henry has helped both on and off the pitch since he arrived last season but says this year things are even better.

"I feel like we're getting along better this year," Agudelo told MLSsoccer.com. "Off the field, now we're developing a friendship.

"He's helping me out and I'm listening. When I was young, I used to think these guys were special - these top players. But now I see that they're just like us.

"It gives me a lot of confidence to see how these players carry themselves. I try to copy that."

As for Agudelo's own prospects this season, Red Bulls coach Hans Backe insists that he will be one of the top group of strikers on the entire playing roster.

"We will probably have four strikers and he will be one of them," Backe said.