Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has urged Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to hand Caleb Yirenkyi a starting place against Panama, telling Footy-Africa that the Manchester United target is the ideal replacement for Thomas Partey in Ghana’s World Cup opener.
Ghana have been forced into a late midfield reshuffle after Partey was ruled out of Wednesday’s Group L clash in Toronto. The Villarreal midfielder lost his appeal against Canada’s decision to deny him entry into the country over ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
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Kingston believes the setback presents the perfect opportunity for Yirenkyi, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with FC Nordsjaelland and has attracted interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Bournemouth.
“I think Caleb should play,” Kingston told Footy-Africa. “We’ll miss Thomas Partey, but Caleb is the player to replace him. I don’t think he’s been used in his best position.”
The former Black Stars winger knows the 19-year-old well, having coached him for three years at the Right to Dream Academy before promoting him from the Under-15s to the Under-18s.
“I worked with him every day, so I know exactly what he can do,” Kingston said. “People see him playing further forward, but for me, he’s a holding midfielder. That’s where he’s most comfortable, and that’s where he can influence games.”
Kingston believes Yirenkyi has all the attributes needed to thrive on football’s biggest stage.
“He works hard, he’s outstanding on the ball, and he understands the game. He has been developed properly from a young age and has continued that progress in Denmark.”
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Yirenkyi strengthened his case for a starting role in Ghana’s final warm-up match before the World Cup, coming off the bench to score the equaliser in the Black Stars’ 1-1 draw with Wales.
With Queiroz now searching for a replacement for Partey, Kingston is convinced the teenager is ready for the responsibility.
“I have complete confidence in him. If it were my decision, I’d start Caleb in midfield.”
A strong performance against Panama would further boost Yirenkyi’s growing reputation, with several Premier League clubs and European giants continuing to monitor one of Ghana’s brightest young talents.
