Coventry boss Frank Lampard says Brandon Thomas-Asante's climb from non-league to the Premier League should inspire every player chasing the top.
Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante is fast becoming a symbol of what persistence can deliver, and his Coventry City manager Frank Lampard is more than happy to say so. The 26-year-old forward has earned praise as a model for lower-league players dreaming of reaching the Premier League, including the many African and diaspora talents working their way through England's pyramid.
Since Coventry secured promotion to the English top flight, Thomas-Asante has carved out an important role in Lampard's squad. His work rate, versatility and determination have made him a valuable option, and his story is one of patience rather than overnight success.
His path started in the National League with Ebbsfleet United and Sutton United, before he established himself at Salford City in League Two. That form earned him a step up to Championship side West Bromwich Albion, and now he has arrived at the highest level of English football with Coventry.
Lampard has no doubt the Ghanaian belongs. Asked whether Thomas-Asante looks like a Premier League player, the former Chelsea midfielder answered simply, "Yeah, I think he does." He pointed to the forward's mentality as the key, saying that after working closely with him, he sees a player who has fought his way up the leagues and trains at a high level every day to get the most out of himself.
For young players across Ghana and the wider continent, the message is clear: the road may run through the lower divisions, but the Premier League is reachable for those who keep grinding. Thomas-Asante is living proof.
