Three European-born Ghanaian young footballers have been named in the 2021 Next Generation Top 50 footballers unveiled by NXGN.
NXGN announced a list of Top 50 footballers who were born after January 1, 2002 and three Ghanaian youngsters have been included in the list.
Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati was ranked the No.1 player within the category with players like Gio Reyna, Eduaordo Camavinga, Yousoufa Moukoko and other top players all making the grades.
Below are the players.
30. BRIAN BROBBEY
Brian Brobbey has long been earmarked as a potential star at Ajax, with the striker’s physical stature seeing him bully opposition defenders on countless occasions during his youth career.
Likened to Romelu Lukaku for his pace, power and goalscoring ability, the 19-year-old told Goal in December he wants to be “the new Brian Brobbey” as he takes his first strides into the senior game.
The early signs are good, with Brobbey having backed up a goal on his debut with a match-winning display off the bench against Willem II in January, though it has since been announced he will leave the Johan Cruyff ArenA for RB Leipzig at the end of the season after failing to agree to a new contract.
14. JEREMY DOKU
When Jeremy Doku visited the Liverpool training ground back in 2018, Jurgen Klopp told the then-16-year-old winger that he believed he could become the heir to Sadio Mane’s throne at Anfield, so highly was he thought of on Merseyside.
Only a video message from Romelu Lukaku convinced Doku to remain with Anderlecht, where he impressed during his 18 months in the first team before joining Rennes in a €26m (£24m/$31m) deal in October.
A full Belgium international who scored on his first start for Roberto Martinez’s side, Doku’s pacey, direct running style makes him a handful for any opposing full-back to deal with.
13. YUNUS MUSAH
A product of Arsenal’s academy system, Yunus Musah took the decision to leave north London for Valencia in the summer of 2019 and though the Spanish outfit continue to spiral downwards, the form of their midfielder has given cause for hope at Mestalla.
Musah has long been touted as a potential star ever since he was noted as being a “classic phenomenon” when growing up in Italy, with his versatility meaning he is just as adept at playing through the middle as he is wide on the right side.
Despite having represented England at youth level, he has since committed to the United States after putting in two eye-catching displays for Gregg Berhalter’s side following his first call-up in November.
So who are they?
Yunus Musah was born to Ghanaian parents in New York, in the United States of America and could have represented either Ghana, England or the United States but he has opted to play for the USA.
Jeremy Doku has represented the European powerhouse of Belgium and even scored on his debut for Roberto Martinez’s side. He was contacted by the Ghana FA but he failed to agree to represent the West African nation.
Brian Brobbey is a Netherlands U21 international but has always left the gates open to Ghana and has insisted he is available to play for Ghana when handed a call up into the team.
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