Emmanuel Boateng is a facade of Derek Boateng

I don’t want to put pressure on the 19-year-old, Emmanuel Boateng, who plays for Moreirense in Portugal’s top flight league, but he reminds me of a certain former Ghana under 20 and Black Stars player, Derek Boateng who had the same touch.

Derek at the youth level was a brilliant player, able to pass beautifully with his left and right foot, and score great goals — and there is something of him in Emmanuel.

Emmanuel has the touch, the juggle, the swivel and turn — and can hit balls at goal with precision. You have to be a good youthful player with top technique to do that.

Everything about Emmanuel has the same traits of Derek Boateng.

His movement and desire to get ahead of the opponent; the way he carries the ball; so determined once he has the ball in his sight and does not give defenders the chance to stop him, as well as the power and accuracy of his headers.

He can become a top-class centre-forward in the future for Ghana. Emmanuel has class about him. He definitely has what it takes.

Emmanuel Boateng was among six players who were scouted by Coach Kwesi Afranie, whilst playing for a colt’s team – Charity Stars at Darkuman and introduced to the Black Starlets handlers in 2013.

As a very level-headed guy, Emmanuel was the only player taken. He showed huge goal scoring prowess and was nicknamed among his colleagues as ‘Van Persie.’

He doesn’t let any defender bully him. No wonder he showed his toughness by scoring a wondrous solitary goal for Ghana against the difficult Panama side at the 2015 under 20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Young African footballers go through a lot in Europe as many will want to try to upset you, whilst you make a name for yourself, there might be things on and off the pitch.

One thing that will help Emmanuel deal with all of that is the environment he enjoys currently at Moreirense.

You can see there’s a great team spirit there, and the club will take care of him if it is needed.

Indeed, Emmanuel Boateng who has semblance of Derek Boateng would have to work hard in his progress to make a mark in world football.