Frank Lampard hails Brandon Thomas-Asante as inspiration for lower-league players

[caption id="attachment_1356841" align="alignnone" width="1015"] Frank Lampard and Thomas-Asante[/caption]Coventry City manager Frank Lampard has praised Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante as an example to lower-league players aspiring to reach the Premier League.The 26-year-old has impressed since Coventry secured promotion to the English top flight, with his work rate, versatility and determination earning him an important role in Lampards squad.Thomas-Asantes journey to the Premier League has been built on years of perseverance. He began his career with National League sides Ebbsfleet United and Sutton United before establishing himself at Salford City in League Two.His performances subsequently earned him a move to Championship side West Bromwich Albion before he completed his rise to the top level of English football with Coventry.Lampard believes the Ghanaian forward has the mentality and ability required to compete at the highest level, highlighting his commitment to improving and his determination to prove himself.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. Hes fought his way up the leagues.He trains at such a level every day to try and maximise himself. He engages with you, and hes got this real hunger to show that he believes he deserves to be here.The former Chelsea and England midfielder also pointed to Thomas-Asantes physical strength, technical ability and hold-up play as qualities that make him valuable to Coventry.With the club strengthening its squad following promotion, Lampard believes the Ghanaian possesses the attributes needed to help the team compete in the Premier League.And hes 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.Brandons got them, and Im a big supporter of his and a believer in him. When I came up, I was like, hes absolutely for me at this football club, to be able to offer so much, he added.Thomas-Asantes versatility has further enhanced his importance to the squad, allowing him to operate in several attacking positions as Lampard seeks the right combination in the final third.The Ghanaian can play on either wing, as an attacking midfielder or as a central striker, giving the Coventry manager valuable options throughout the campaign.Lampard praised the forwards willingness to adapt to different roles and his commitment to contributing to the teams success.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 hes a good example of players that come through with a really humble mentality that want to do well. Brandon is that.Thomas-Asante will hope to continue making an impression as Coventry prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, with the Ghana international determined to maintain his place in Lampards plans and help the club establish itself in the Premier League.