Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has tipped Caleb Yirenkyi as the ideal candidate to replace Thomas Partey in the Black Stars midfield for their opening FIFA World Cup Group L clash against Panama.
Ghana will be without Partey for the crucial encounter after the midfielder was denied entry into Canada due to ongoing legal allegations of rape and sexual assault. Despite pleading not guilty, the former Arsenal star was unable to secure the necessary visa to travel with the team.
His absence leaves head coach Carlos Queiroz searching for alternatives ahead of the tournament opener, but Kingston believes FC Nordsjælland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has the qualities needed to step into the role seamlessly.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Kingston revealed his long-standing admiration for the youngster, having worked closely with him during his time at the Right to Dream Academy.
“We will miss him (Thomas Partey), though, but we have someone that they have not been using him well. They are playing him out of position. Caleb Yirenkyi,” he said.
“I worked with him for three years. I promoted him from the U-15s to the U-18s when I was working with Right to Dream.”
Kingston explained that Yirenkyi’s natural role is in central midfield, where he can dictate play and contribute effectively at both ends of the pitch.
“For me, he is a holding midfielder. When you watch him play at FC Nordsjælland, they play him in the middle. He has grown into a box-to-box midfielder; he gets closer to the opponent’s box, but he is a typical midfielder.”
“He works hard, and he is very good on the ball because he was well brought up. I gave him the opportunity at the U-18s, and he took it, so for me, his best position is in midfield. I think he will replace Thomas Partey very easily,” he added.
While Ghana prepare for life without Partey against Panama, there is optimism that the experienced midfielder could rejoin the squad for their second group match against England in Boston.
The Black Stars will conclude their Group L campaign with a final fixture against Croatia in Philadelphia as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stages.
