Tariq Lamptey The Rising Seagull
It wasn’t until last year, December 29, 2019, that Tariq Lamptey made his professional bout away to fellow Londoners, Arsenal in the Premier League, replacing Fikayo Tomori in the 59th minute, where he confidently displayed what was to be the first of many solid appearances to come.
In an interview after that match with ChelseaTV, he expressed nervousness: “My heart was racing, this is the moment I and my family have been waiting for”.
Lamptey switched sides from Chelsea to Brighton on January 31, 2020, signing a three and a half year deal. He started the 2020–21 season against his former club Chelsea assisting Leandro Trossard’s goal in the 3–1 home defeat. It’s no surprise that he has continued to improve on his prior performances helping his team thrash Newcastle by 3-0 drawing massive praise from fellow teammates, coaches, pundits and others.
“This kid doesn’t have limits. He is 19 and playing at such a high level.” Maupay remarked about Tariq
Brighton manager Graham Potter also joined the bandwagon in showering praise on his pacy right back, “He’s got such pace, he threatens the backline of the defence so well and then he does his own defensive work as well, he’s amazing,” he ended.
Despite his young age and small stature, Lamptey is fast, strong in tackles, potent in attack, and resolute in defence when the tides switch against his side.
His ability to switch between attack and defence was glaring against Newcastle, as the stats showcased more interceptions (four) and won more fouls (four) than any other player on the pitch, prior to substitution before the hour mark.
Lamptey has been the subject of attention in the last two games that have been played, he has certainly not been overalled by the bag loads of praise coming from all cylinders into his domain.
“It’s just great to get high praise from such fantastic ex-players, I appreciate all the praise and I’m thankful for it but I have to keep working hard and keep focusing and putting in good performances for the team,” said Tariq Lamptey.
On the international font, England is spoilt with loads of options at the right-back position, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kyle Walker, and Reece James and with Ghana looking for a long term replacement for the aging, Afful Harrison, it remains unknown if he will consider the chance of playing for the Blackstars when the opportunity is presented.
Hopefully, Tariq Lamptey continues to impress as the rising seagull above all other birds in these footballing times.
