On deadline day of January transfer window, Brighton & Hove Albion secured the services of a 19-year-old gem, Tariq Lamptey from Chelsea.
The right-back was highly rated by the staff at Chelsea due to his pace and astute decision making on the ball and off it. He showed glimpses of his talent in his first-team debut against Arsenal in the Premier League on December 2019.
He was, however, left in a precarious position with Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James ahead of him in the pecking order. A move away from Frank Lampard’s side in search of a regular place was on his mind.
He chose to sign for Brighton on a three and a half year deal. The COVID-19 pandemic denied him the chance of making an immediate impact at the club but the return of football left the door open for him. The former Chelsea academy player took the opportunity with both hands.
The England-born Ghanaian put up a man of the match showing against Leicester City in his first start for Brighton, prompting huge praise from Graham Potter, the manager of the Seagulls.
Lamptey has started in the following two games since then including Saturday’s 1-0 away victory over Norwich City where he was impressive once again.
The teenage sensation has steadily progressed within the England youth teams. He now has four appearances in the U20s after amassing 12 of those in the U19 and U18 teams combined.
However, he is eligible for a call up to the Black Stars and with his ability to fill in at right midfield, he provides an extra option should Charles Kwablan Akonnor decide to reach out to him. Tariq Lamptey is definitely one for the future.
Source: myjoyonline.com