Ghanaian youngster impresses in Chelsea trials

The fairytale story of Ghanaian midfielder Gideon Baah continues after the youngster impressed in his first week of trials with English giants Chelsea.

The 16-year-old won a football reality show, Metro MTN Sports Academy, in his home country last month which won him the chance at Stamford Bridge.

Baah managed to beat off competition from 32,000 other applicants to win the reality show in Accra and must impress the coaches at Chelsea to win a contract.

But his experience during the competition in his home country seems to have adequately prepared him for the challenge and has already made an impact.

"Gideon is a fantastic talent with amazing skills and he has already won many hearts here at the academy," Chelsea junior team captain Nana Twumasi told Ghanasoccernet.com .

Twumasi, who was also born in Ghana but a junior England international, has offered much needed support but the best encouragement has come from Michael Essien, Chelsea's star midfielder.

Baah is thrilled with his performance in his first week of stay at the club and says the support he has received from Essien has been crucial to his good performance.

"Nana Twumasi is just like the brother you have who will make sure that you are happy all the time," Baah told Ghanasoccernet.com

"He has shown all the tricks and tips to win a contract and I am keen to stay at this club.

"But I am positively surprised with the support I have received from Essien and what he has done to help me since I came here.

"You wouldn't expect a player of his calibre to come down to the academy let alone coming to visit me and also to give advice and support.

"This is what has pushed me to do more here so that I don't disappoint him because he has put his heart on me to stay here.

"He has introduced me to the big names like Drogba, Lampard, Makelele, Kalou, Wright Phillips, Cech and the rest and they have all I have to work hard to stay.

Baah, who has been given the Chelsea number 52 jersey, outwitted five players including the keeper to score during Wednesday's training and his overall performance has rallied his new team-mates.

"I can't believe what is happening to me. From this reality show I am thrilling players of and officials of the Chelsea academy.

"I hope God can help me achieve this wild dream of winning a permanent stay here at the club."

Baah will complete his trials with Chelsea next week.

Meanwhile, Essien's former club in Ghana Liberty Professional, who are noted for unearthing world-class talent, have already expressed interest in signing Baah.