Frank Lampard hails Brandon Thomas-Asante as inspiration for lower-league players

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has praised Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante as an example to players in the lower leagues who aspire to establish themselves in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old forward has impressed since Coventry secured promotion to the English top flight, with his versatility, work rate and determination making him a valuable member of Lampard’s squad.

Thomas-Asante’s journey to the Premier League has been built on years of perseverance, having started his career with National League sides Ebbsfleet United and Sutton United before making his mark at Salford City in League Two.

His performances earned him a move to Championship club West Bromwich Albion, before he eventually reached the highest level of English football with Coventry.

Lampard believes the Ghanaian possesses the mentality, ability and determination required to succeed in the Premier League, describing himself as a strong admirer of the forward.

Asked whether Thomas-Asante looks like a Premier League player, the former Chelsea and England midfielder said: “Yeah, I think he does.

“From knowing him now, from working close up with him, a huge part of that is his mentality towards it. He’s fought his way up the leagues.

“He trains at such a level every day to try and maximise himself. He engages with you, and he’s got this real hunger to show that he believes he deserves to be here.”

Lampard also highlighted the forward’s physical attributes and technical qualities, insisting they make him well suited to Coventry’s demands in the top flight.

The Coventry boss has continued to place his trust in Thomas-Asante despite the summer arrivals of Loum Tchaouna and Yann Gboho, emphasising the importance of the Ghanaian’s qualities to the squad.

“And he’s got talent, and when you get promoted, and you go, ‘What do we need in this squad?’ Yeah, we need to bring in physicality and anticipation and good qualities, hold-up play.

“Brandon’s got them, and I’m a big supporter of his and a believer in him. When I came up, I was like, he’s absolutely for me at this football club, to be able to offer so much.”

Thomas-Asante’s versatility has further strengthened his position in the squad, allowing him to operate in several attacking roles as Lampard seeks the right combinations.

The Ghanaian has provided additional options in the final third, particularly when injuries have affected the availability of players such as Rudoni and Ephron Mason-Clark.

Lampard praised his willingness to adapt to different positions and contribute wherever the team needs him.

“He can play left wing, play as a 10, play right wing, play as a number nine; he can do anything and will give you everything,” he said.

“So yeah, I think he’s a good example of players that come through with a really humble mentality that want to do well. Brandon is that.”

Thomas-Asante will now aim to maintain his form when Coventry travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, as he continues to establish himself in the Premier League and demonstrate the value of his long journey through the English football pyramid.