Lampard backs Ghanaian forward Thomas-Asante for Premier League challenge

The 26-year-old forward has earned Lampard's backing following Coventry's promotion to the English top flight, with his work ethic, adaptability and determination making him an important member of the squad.

Thomas-Asante's rise has been shaped by a series of moves through the English football pyramid, beginning with National League clubs Ebbsfleet United and Sutton United before he established himself at Salford City in League Two.

His performances at Salford earned him a transfer to Championship side West Bromwich Albion, from where he continued his progress before joining Coventry and reaching the Premier League.

Lampard believes the Ghanaian has the right attitude and technical qualities to compete at the highest level, pointing to his commitment in training and desire to improve as key factors behind his progress.

“Yeah, I think he does,” Lampard said when asked whether Thomas-Asante looked like a Premier League player.

“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.”

The former Chelsea and England midfielder also highlighted the forward's physical presence, technical ability and effectiveness when holding up the ball as qualities that could help Coventry compete in the top division.

Having guided the club into the Premier League, Coventry have been strengthening their squad to prepare for the demands of the competition. Lampard believes Thomas-Asante already possesses several of the attributes required to make an impact.

“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,” he added.

Thomas-Asante's ability to perform in different attacking positions has also strengthened his standing within the team. He can operate on either flank, behind the main striker or as a central forward, giving Lampard greater flexibility when selecting his attacking line-up.

The Coventry manager praised the Ghanaian's willingness to take on different responsibilities and his readiness to contribute wherever the team requires 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.”

Lampard's comments underline the value he places on Thomas-Asante's journey through the lower leagues, where the forward worked his way towards opportunities at progressively higher levels of English football.

For aspiring players outside the top divisions, the Ghanaian's career offers an example of how persistence, hard work and a willingness to improve can create a route to the highest level.

Thomas-Asante will now look to build on the confidence shown in him by his manager as Coventry prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

The Ghana international will be aiming to maintain his place in Lampard's plans while helping the newly promoted side establish itself in the Premier League.