Ghana's Rising Stars To Look Out For

As the season comes to an end in Europe, the Ghana Premier League season has reached its halfway point. Which players should we look out for to explode onto the scene soon? Gary Al-Smith has a few names.
 

Samuel Tetteh

Club: FC Liefering
Position: Forward/Winger
Age: 20

It was in 2015 that his talent was shown to the world as the then 18 year old played for as many as four national teams – the Ghana U20, U23, the senior team and local CHAN team. His rise was rapid, and he’s one to look out for Ghana. Samuel Tetteh even started a game in the recent African Cup of Nations, when Ghana played Egypt in the final group qualifier. The Black Stars had already advanced to the next stage, and Tetteh took the chance to impress, once more. If there is any criticism that can be leveled its that the probably needs to bulk up a bit, but the 20 year old has pace, is good on both feet, heads well and has an eye for goal. He has scored at every level he’s been called up to and currently has 10 goals in 19 appearances for his Austrian side.
 

Abdul-Halik Hudu

Club: Hammarby, Sweden
Position: Midfielder
Age: 18



Voted the Most Promising Player of the Ghana Premier League last season, his attacking midfield prowess was solid for Inter Allies, who voted him Fans’ Player of the Season as well. He started 17 games in 19 appearances and earlier this year, the teenager signed a four-year deal with Hammarby in Sweden. His attributes are his speed and skill, and operates mostly on the wings. Think Jesus Navas, but a more productive one!
 

Majeed Ashimeru

Club: WAFA, Ghana
Position: Midfielder
Age: 19



A terrific player whose main weakness is showboating. At his age, that can be forgiven. But his game is predicated on vision, as evidenced by his stats in the Ghana Premier League thus far: he has assisted more goals than any player (6) in 15 games while unraveling defenses all around the league. It is doubtful he will remain in the local league for long with scouts raving about his off-the-ball movement, spotting spaces and scoring.
 

Eddie Nketiah

Club: Arsenal F.C.
Position: Midfielder
Age: 18



He used to be at Chelsea before Arsenal snapped him up. He was 14 then and has since improved markedly, especially on his goal conversion.  Last season, he finished top scorer with 24 goals in the U-18s league and 28 in all competitions. But what sets him apart is his off-the-ball movement. He is not as fast as his senior Theo Walcott, but he’s definitely got a much, much, better football brain.
 

Alhassan Wakaso

Club: Lorient, France
Position: Defender
Age: 25



A quietly consisted player. The central midfielder has matured into an intelligent man in the middle of the park. A younger brother of his more accomplished Black Stars regular, Mubarak, the 25-year-old has been on loan at Lorient from Rio Ave in Portugal. This season he has featured in the Europa League for the Portuguese outfit, showing his strengths: good in the air, making key interceptions and playing long, diagonal balls which makes him useful in non-passing formations. He also, like his brother, likes to take pot shots at goal. Last season he started 29 games in 30 appearances for Rio Ave.
 

Claud Adjapong

Club: Sassuolo
Position: Lateral defender/winger
Age: 19



He made it to the Sassuolo first team last season, making his debut against Juventus. He played four games last season. Ghana would have to act fast if they want this highly-rated talent, who has already made appearances for the Italian U-19 team.
 

Isaac Hemans Arday

Club: Lyon
Position: Defender
Age: 20



The name may sound familiar, and that’s because ‘Heman Arday’ was the full name of the recently-passed on Ghana football coaching legend, Samuel Hemans Arday. Having patiently come through the French football system, Isaac is now with Lyon and seen as one of the best in his age grade. 2016 was a good year for him, having signed a first pro contract in June, and graduating to Lyon's senior team.