Introducing Caleb Yirenkyi

The Right to Dream academy spans four countries and three continents. It's the envy of owners and directors and coaches the world over, and we've been talking about their processes and extraordinary hit rate for more than half a decade. Although founded in Ghana, many of RTD's graduates use Denmark - specifically FC Nordsjælland, the club the academy owns - as a stepping stone to European heights.

Every year, two or three (or ten) Nordsjælland talents are featured on SCOUTED. Many of those are Scandinavian, like Lucas Høgsberg, who moved to RC Strasbourg months after we went deep on his style. But the club's role as custodian of Right to Dream's African talent is truly unique. Simon Adingra, Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah... enter Caleb Yirenkyi, a beautifully well-rounded midfielder and one Denmark's most exciting players.

Since his full Superligaen debut last February, Yirenkyi has played over 2,500 minutes across 33 appearances. He's been fast-tracked into the Ghanaian senior team at right-back, such is his versatility. He came 19th in this year's SCOUTED50. Interest from the Premier League is all but guaranteed.

In September, Yirenkyi starred in Nordsjælland’s 1-0 win against high-flying FC Midtjylland. Let's introduce you.

Before diving in, here's a little context on what a typical Nordsjælland match looks like.

FCN's distinct style of play is ingrained in their players and coaches. It emphasises control and composure, building methodically through the thirds, trying to stamp authority on every opponent. Their midfielders have the ball often, platforming possession and trying to penetrate attacking areas. They rarely deviate.

When Nordsjælland get it right, they strangle teams into submission, dominate the ball, squeeze territory, pepper the goal, and win the game. Against Midtjylland, they got it right.

Yirenkyi played as the deepest of FCN’s midfield three, a role he has held down since the third or fourth match of the season. Prior to that, he predominantly played as the right-sided centre-mid. You’ll often see him in these sorts of positions as FCN look to play through the press:

Why did FCN shift Yirenkyi into the deepest midfield role partway through the season? Because of the dynamism he provides on defensive turnovers, probably. Mark Brink, his predecessor in the role, is excellent on the ball but lacks athleticism to cover spaces and engage in duels. Yirenkyi does all three.

The 19-year-old is able to control situations like the one below – where Midtjylland pinch the ball back in the middle third and are breaking against a scrambled defence – much more effectively and efficiently.