Dreams FC’s dramatic, fairy-tale in the 2023/ 24 CAF Confederations Cup is a break from the established order, but it is also a triumph built on an indestructible unity and spirit, and an exhilarating sense of fun.
Naturally, the focus of much attention following the title victory was on the exquisite, clinical skills of those at the sharp end of the team. But this is a victory for the unity of a cohesive collective, making heroes of more than just the obvious stars.
While it's Abdul Aziz Issah and John Antwi who take the acclaim from adoring fans and pundits alike, it's Dreams’ man in the centre of the park who deserves the most credit – Emmanuel Agyei. The lanky midfielder has been instrumental in the rise of Abdul Karim Zito’s side in their maiden appearance in the CAF Confederations Cup this season, consistently proving the doubters wrong as one of Africa’s top midfield talents.
In an era where they are few and far between, Agyei has become the ultimate box-to-box man, mixing his impressive defensive ability with a knack of making the difference in the attacking third. While he may not have the golden touch in front of goal, he has a passing range and lung capacity that even the game’s elites would be envious of.
As Zito’s men have matured under his tenure, his high-pressing style has perhaps been somewhat altered, yet Agyei remains a willing runner and a man with an end product. Similarly, for his country, the 19-year-old has become arguably Black Satellites (Ghana U20) only guaranteed starter in midfield and was vital as they won gold in the 2023 African Games in Accra.
Agyei’s performances in Dreams’ recent win over Stade Malien typified everything we’ve come to expect from the midfield enforcer, producing a display full of drive, endeavour and tenacity, allowing his midfield partners – Issah and Atuahene – the freedom to express themselves and control the game.
Much has been made of Issah’s budding partnership with Atuahene in the centre of midfield, but in truth, the twinkle-toed pair are only being allowed the freedom to express themselves because of the quality and class of Agyei.
He has really come into his own this campaign and his progress has been exceptional. Being asked to play at centre-half or left-back hasn’t fazed him, which epitomises a high-level performance player under Zito.
There is such a great understanding between the coach and his players, and amongst the players themselves, that the transition between different positions comes with ease and no player is fazed when deployed in a different or unfamiliar role. In a relentlessly evolving, ruthless team, Agyei is a mainstay. As the ingenious methods of Zito blend experience and youth, Dreams are spoilt for choice.
However, owing to the sheer quality in depth that the FA Cup champions are blessed with, it is hard to identify players who are the first names on the manager’s teamsheet. There are arguably only four who stand out as indispensable in the Dreams starting line-up: Abdul Jalilu in defence, Issah between the lines, Antwi in attack and the ever-dependable Agyei in midfield. Indirect influence is a characteristic that is undervalued in football nowadays: the ability to not only avoid making mistakes individually but to aid teammates and ensure they play to a high standard.
He may not be the glue that sticks Dreams FC together, nor the best central midfielder currently in Ghana, but Emmanuel Agyei is a world-class player with his best years still ahead of him, and he is only going to get better. He will quietly continue to shepherd his team’s midfield with elegance and aplomb, but whether or not he will be treated as the special talent he is remains to be seen.
He is well-loved among the Dreams supporters, but beyond that, he is seldom rewarded with the admiration that his quality richly deserves.
