Felix Afena-Gyan – The AS Roma prodigy who stole the show against Genoa

Felix Afena-Gyan of AS Roma against Genoa
Felix Afena-Gyan of AS Roma against Genoa - IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto

AS Roma cruised to a 2-0 win against Genoa in Serie A after a stunning brace from teenager Felix Afena-Gyan. The scoreline remained 0-0 until the 82nd minute and the game looked as if it was heading to a draw. Enter Afena Gyan. The 18-year-old was brought on as a substitute in the final quarter and he made an immediate impact by scoring two quick goals, thus helping Giallrossi secure three points. Even he wouldn’t have dreamt of such a stunning cameo just in his third appearance in Serie A this season.

Afena Gyan could be the next big thing in Europe

The Ghanian talent was added to Roma’s youth ranks earlier this year. But his premature potential caught the eyes of the chosen one, Jose Mourinho and he quickly made his leap to the senior team. Afena Gyan was summoned by Mourinho with only a quarter of an hour left against Genoa. He grabbed the opportunity with his two hands and put on a memorable display. The first goal was a calm and composed finish after receiving the ball from Henrikh Mkhitaryan. But the second one was an absolute belter as he scored it from outside the box. Afena Gyan also broke a few records in the process, one of which was the first-ever player born after 2003 to score in the Italian top-flight.

Afena Gyan also spoke about the dream display, stating that he wanted to thank God and Jose Mourino for the opportunity.

The Ghanian youngster said: “I thank God for this opportunity he gave me, the team, the coach, the fans, players for their amazing support. I also want to say thank you Mom, she is in Ghana, I love you.

“Mourinho is a great person, a great manager and a great coach. He gives you the motivation to learn every day. I am very happy he is here.

“Tonight is a dream come true. It was my first goal, I was hoping for a very long time. I want to continue my performance, prove myself and do more in future.”

The Portuguese manager heaped praises on the teenager and he also added that he had promised to buy him a new pair of boots following the spectacular display against Genoa.

Mourinho said (h/t Football Italia): “I had promised to buy Felix the boots he really likes, which are really expensive, they cost €800, so he ran over and told me not to forget! Tomorrow morning, the first thing I do is buy him the boots.

“I am sorry for Mister De Rossi and the Primavera squad, but Felix will stay with us. The Primavera work close to us, so Felix and another four or five players have come across to the senior squad.

“What impressed me the most was his cool head in front of goal. If he is not in terms of technique fantastic, he does have a strong mentality.

“You get these kids now who think they know everything, but he is humble and you can sense he just absorbs all this information from everyone around him. That’s fantastic.”

Tammy Abraham recently revealed that Mourinho’s influence keeps him evolving at Roma. Felix has the potential to reach unscalable heights and there is no better place for him to learn than under Mourinho.