Asante Kotoko completed the signing of WAFA left-back John Tedeku, the 20-year-old who is currently with his new club for pre-season in Sudan ahead of the 2022/23 season.
For Kotoko fans looking to learn more about their newest signing, here’s a look at four things you need to know…
He once played for Barcelona
Tedeku, would you believe, actually started out at Barcelona.
However, rather than being another one who got away from La Masia, his 'Barcelona' was the team name of his side in Dansoman, Accra-Ghana.
Scouts of WAFA spotted Tedeku while featuring for his local side and were amazed by his talent. They wasted not time in signing him in 2014.
Playing style
Tedeku is a left-back by trade but one whose greatest strength comes in attack, so much so that he has often been deployed as a wing-back in order to maximise his qualities. He's well suited to that role because of his supreme athleticism and stamina.
He loves to get on the ball and is a very progressive passer, always looking to get the ball forwards. He is also known for his wicked deliveries into the box. Defensively, he holds his own well in one-on-ones, with his recovery pace often bailing him out if an attacker gets past him.
He's been modelling his game on Marcelo
They say you should never judge a player by their nickname, but when your nickname is 'Marcelo', you're setting a pretty high bar for yourself.
Tedeku's moniker presumably comes from his eagle-eyed vision, tenacity and strength.
His pace is outrageous and often means he can push high up the pitch and cause nightmares for opposition defences.
He can play in a Number of Different Positions
Few things are as comforting to a manager (real or virtual) as casting an eye to the bench and seeing an absolute Swiss Army knife of a footballer, a one size fits all utility man willing and able to come on and adapt to the game in a just about any position without so much as a shrug.
Aside from being a left-back, John Tedeku is able to play as a defensive midfielder with effortless ease. The new Kotoko man has dominated opponents in both positions since turning professional. He has also been known to fit into the right wing-back role if needed.
It’s frightening to consider quite how good he could become if he continues what has already been a seismic rise to the top of world football... in whatever position he wants. Handy.
