The Phobians are on the verge of announcing the capture of midfielder Suraj Rayies on a permanent deal.
Judging by the reaction on social media, it is the supporters and not the coach and teammates that may need the most convincing, as fans of the club seem decidedly underwhelmed by their capture of the former Unistar Academy player.
And who would blame them? Whilst their competitors have previously been lucky with new recruits, the Phobians have been unlucky as most of their new recruits struggle to become mainstays in the club.
Whilst undoubtedly impressive for Nigerien outfit AS Police, Portuguese side Club Condeixa and the Karela United FC, the workaholic midfielder has it all to do in order to prove himself in the Ghanaian topflight division so as to endear himself to the fans of the club.
Abdul Rahim Bashiru has clearly identified the need to reinforce in order to make his side genuine title contenders which is quite herculean, but the player has all the necessary ingredients to adapt.
Fitness is key in this position, but the Benfica and Sporting Lisbon trialist is well- drilled in covering a large amount of ground as is always expected from this position. He can be deployed both as a central midfielder or wide right and has been equally effective in both positions, elegantly gliding around the pitch and quickening the pace of his side’s attacks or making sure possession is retained with sure touches of the ball with either foot.
Rayies magnificent control, accurate distribution and faultless decision making ensures it’s almost impossible for the opposition to prise the ball away from him. He is adept at playing that lethal pass, whether a perfectly weighted through ball, a clever flick or a precisely delivered cross. As well as setting up his team-mates, he has an eye for goal himself and is the possessor of a powerful left-foot shot.
Using his spatial awareness, he craftily buzzes laterally on the pitch, always looking to present his centre-halves with an option in their attempts to pass out from the back. He is not interested in scoring goals, but the player who will pass to the scorer. His job is to anticipate, intercept, pass, and anticipate.
Yet perhaps most impressive of all is his football intelligence allied to an unperturbable temperament, which enables him to display all the above talents in even the most frenetic of scenarios when time and space are at a premium.
To top it all, he is a tireless worker, rarely staying still for a second.
How quickly he’ll be able to adapt to the rigours of a top club like Hearts of Oak will only be known once given the chance to bed down and claim a regular place in the Hearts midfield. Should he be given the chance, expect Hearts’ midfield to turn much more variable and fluid- a change most fans would welcome.
In an attack focused modern game, elite defensive/central midfielders are becoming increasingly hard to find. Hearts should be thankful they have one of the good ones around. If Suraj Rayies can seamlessly and consistently churn out exhilarating displays as evidenced with Karela United, then the Phobians might have a better player than originally thought.
He has no shortage of ability and should have a huge impact on Hearts when league football resumes after the AFCON.
By: Godfred Budu Yeboah
