By El Akyereko Frimpong
Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial
Manchester United academy coach Paulà McGuinness is overwhelmed by the massive precocity of Dutch-born Ghanaian starlet Timothy Fosu-Mensah and has tipped him for greatness.
The 17-year-old has spent just under a season at United's Soccer School in Old Trafford, only making his debut for the U18s in a game against Everton in November, but his qualities have become clear toà McGuinness who has a special eye for special talents.
ââ¬ÅHeââ¬â¢s physically ahead of a lot of players at this age group and is very dynamic and powerful,â⬠McGuinness told MUTV.
ââ¬ÅThat makes a big difference to any team, having someone with that maturity in it.
ââ¬ÅHeââ¬â¢s added defensively with his ability to recover and win the ball and also with his quick bursts forward. He has been a good addition but there is quite a lot more to come.
ââ¬ÅThere are things we need to work on with him and, once he gets a full idea of the Manchester United training mentality and Manchester United way of culture, he could be a good prospect.ââ¬
Fosu, who is the captain of the Netherlands U17 side, has established himself as a prospective center-back but could also fit in well in defensive midfield role, a quality the 63-year-oldà McGuinness also spoke about.
Well, weââ¬â¢ll see. I donââ¬â¢t think playing him in midfield will do any harm either way. It gives him a chance to play in that position and work on parts of his game there. It will also benefit him if he does end up as a defender.ââ¬
Fosu was born to Ghanaian parents in the Netherlands and has already represented the European country at youth level - U16 and U17.
However, with examples like Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kwesi Appiah, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Adam Kwarasey who all played for European countries at one youth stage, Fosu could represent Ghana at senior level should the Ghana FA pursue an interest in him.