New APR signing Richmond Lamptey is one of the gifted midfielders that Ghana Premier League has produced in recent years.
The 27-year-old midfielder was groomed at Ghana-based Feyenoord Academy which was owned by Dutch outfit Feyenoord Rotterdam. He spent 10 years at the Academy and progressed to captain the senior side before leaving in 2018.
Lamptey is an intelligent number 10, his key elements are his great passing, and ability to assist strikers to score. He also possesses a deadly left foot akin to Sulley Muntari. He can score from 40 yards.
He has played for Ghana from U17 level up to the senior level. He was part of the Black Stars team which won the 2017 WAFU, a competition exclusively for countries associated in West African Football Union.
He was also part of Ghana's squad that took part in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Lamptey is a born leader, he has captained all the clubs that he played for and this shows his leadership skills.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko's loss is APR's gain. They tried every means to make their skipper renew his contract but he turned down the offer after APR tabled a reported $120,000 (Rwf159 million) worth of signing on fee. The lucrative offer looked too appetizing for the Ghana star to reject.
Lamptey put pen to paper on a two-year contract after passing his medical on Friday, June 28.
What are Lamptey’s qualities?
The majority of players change teams which pay awesomely but, aside from that, Lamptey is a solid player and APR lacks someone with his attributes in their team.
One player who will benefit immensely from Lamptey is Gilbert Mugisha. The winger likes to latch on to through passes, beat his marker and fire home. The chemistry with Mugisha will work as the midfielder possesses extraordinary passing skills.
Also, Victor Mbaoma needs services to thrive. All the 15 league goals that he scored last season were from inside the penalty box and, with Lamptey, he will get all the needed supplies. If the Nigerian forward continues to be clinical, he can net not less than 20 goals in the league with Lamptey playing just behind him.
In Lamptey, APR have signed a gem. The fans will witness quality football and breathtaking goals. The Lions are set to roar in the domestic league and also the CAF Champions League with the Ghanaian in their midst.