Dede Ayew becoming an embodiment of charisma and inspiration for Black Stars

Dede Ayew has been clapped on by Avram Grant for filling in a void that he coveted him into in the Black Stars’ game with Mauritius. Dede playing in a new role, due to the absence of Asamoah Gyan, for the Black Stars was like a master thespian.

“Andrea played as a striker at Swansea he scored in almost every game. Playing in such position to get a goal, I am happy with that,” Avram Grant said. Dede was the answer to Grant’s adjustment and tactical realignment.

He (Dede) got first of the two goals but he slipped past the opponent on several occasions as if they weren’t there. Captaining the Black Stars and helping to qualify for AFCON 2017 was what he wanted to print and pin down on the said day in Mauritius.

The Swansea City star man is a master of his own destiny and also blessed with special presence on the field which many would dearly like to acquire. He evoked memory of his dad – Abedi Pele on the pitch, i.e. when he was seen in the number 10 shirt with the arm band in Mauritius.

So much about international football is about temperament: the carpe diem certitude that Dede inherited from the legendary Pele. Obviously it was a big thing for Dede but in almost all his post-match interviews he talks about the importance of the team performance and unity.

The point of the history lesson is that Dede is not a static entity. He churns and evolves. Ubiquity has been the reason Dede has become so important for the Black Stars. He is captained the team on several occasions, played at the left and right of midfield and offered his team – mates dramatic goals.

Dede is lionhearted thoroughly modern in his use of leadership on the field to promote confidence and knows how to cope with pressure. This support strikes a chord with his colleagues who responds with total perfection. His task as a leader is swift and purist for his team.

A throwback – when he led Ghana Under – 20, the Black Satellites, in Egypt to win the World Cup in 2009, we witnessed a France based professional player who would smile and work hard at the same time. He promoted friendship, stayed close to his mates and did not let his personality warp their relation. Most great players submit, however unwillingly, to the collective nature of the task.

Dede is a product of fierce parental ambition and guided by the football grandeur - Pele. It is why he is never lack football Bonhomie with his colleagues. This is not about a fulfillment of clairvoyance. Having that closeness and up bringing by his dad has given to him a unique inspiration from the early years.

It is good for Grant to have acknowledged Dede’s gallant effort. Appreciating him was certainly appropriate and Ghanaians also applaud almost as ardently as his colleagues who rushed to him when he got the crucial first goal with sumptuous.

Who doesn’t love a player who is ready to step in the void of captaincy when called on; who doesn’t like a player who is prepared to step in the void of offensive role behind the striker; and who doesn’t like a player who is almost ready to play any role his coach assigns him to fetch results?

He is ambitious, explosive and quick, and has dense aggression. He provides the best blend of left – footed thrust, incisive assist and has cold blooded finishing. Dede also provides more velocity when operating from the right of midfield. His most trenchant critics would concede that his stentorian ways promotes how incredibly fit he is on the pitch.

Dede is already in his harvest year and a kind of greatness beckons. He is up there and made a sharp step – up in class in the English Premier League (EPL) with 12 goals in his first season. A consensus is growing that he had entered the EPL with a venomous assault against smothering conservative defenses.

Certainly, he knows the old glories of his dad may not lie beyond his reach. Hard – working football ethics with flashing skill would connect him to many of the great deeds of his dad. Achieving his dad’s feat or beyond would show football is not just a game of relaxation and self – preservation but a sport of dexterity, balance and courageous intent of which Dede has plenty.