Kamaldeen Sulemana: Things to know about the Ghana starlet
Kamaldeen Sulemana. You may not know his name now, but many are tipping the young forward to be one of Africa's breakout stars over the next few seasons.
Currently plying his trade in Denmark for FC Nordsjaelland, Ajax, Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon and even Manchester United are all thought to be considering a summer move for the Ghanaian
What's all the hype about we hear you ask? Well, 90min did a deep dive on Sulemana to find out...
1. Right to Dream graduate
If Sulemana manages to fulfil his sky-high potential he will become the most successful graduate of the Right to Dream academy ever.
The programme helps to puts Ghana's top young players in the shop window for European clubs. They share owners with Nordsjaelland, with many graduates ending up at the Danish side.
From there most end up moving to a bigger team in Europe or going to MLS. Mohammed Kudus, who signed for Ajax last summer and is a close friend of Sulemana, is the most recent example. The pair may even be reunited soon with the Eredivisie champions leading the race for the forward's signature.
2. Already an international
Despite not being in his 20s yet, Sulemana has already been capped multiple times by his country.
He was handed his debut in September 2020, enjoying a 48-minute stint in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Mali. Exactly three months later he would again turn out for the Black Stars.
This time was more successful with Ghana running out 5-1 winners in a friendly against Qatar. Next on the agenda for Sulemana will be scoring his maiden international goal and also making the squad for AFCON 2021 - which is being played in winter 2022.
3. Incredible dribbler
If you were wondering why some top-class clubs are making such a fuss over the young forward, all you need to do is check out a YouTube compilation of his recent performances.
Sulemana's principle asset is his incredible dribbling. This, combined with a wicked turn of pace, means he is capable of terrorising even the most stoic of defences.
The best football of his career so far has come towards the back end of the season. In the month of April he became the first player to scoop the Danish Superliga's young player and player of the month awards.
4. More potential than Neymar?!
During his time in Denmark, Sulemana has attracted some hefty praise from his teammates and opposition alike.
FC Midtjylland captain Erik Sviatchenko told local newspaper Jyllands-Posten (via Goal): "When he plays simple and knows when to play the ball, he is amazing. He is fast, strong and has an understanding of the game like few others.
"He’s on his way to something big, and it’s a pleasure to be tested against one of the great talents in Europe."
His manager Flemming Pedersen went even further, claiming to TV3 Sport that: "We are talking about a player with potential on a par with Neymar, and maybe even more than that, because he is even faster."
5. He's got style
Both on and off the pitch, Sulemana has style. Don't believe us? Just head over to his Instagram.
Over there you will find wonderfully garish garms, including a flower patterned short tracksuit, a shellsuit from the PSG x Jordan range and much more.
Well worth a follow.