INTERVIEW: MK Dons' midfield prodigy Andrew Osei-Bonsu talks about fresh season, Ghana hopes & career dreams

By El Akyereko Frimpong

Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

It is Saturday morning in Buckinghamshire and Andrew Osei-Bonsu is in a relaxed mood as the brand new English season looks in gear. The Milton Keynes Dons FC midfielder has been talking for more than an hour, discussing everything from the adrenaline rush he experienced the first time he scored before a crowd of home fans in a senior debut during the pre-season and the big ambitions dreams he holds emulating Manchester City star Yaya Toure in the Barcleys Premier League in the near future. "I have featured a few times in the MK Dons first team this Pre season and I have scored, so I have set my goals high."

Bonsu beams with a radiant smile as he tells the story of how last season rolled out for him. The 16-year-old earned raving reviews last season after flourishing in midfield, scoring over a dozen goals and featuring in almost all games. Born and raised in Buckinghamshire, Bonsu started playing football at MK Dons as an 8-year-old schoolboy. In eight seasons, the young prodigious midfielder has grown into a 6 FT and 74KG giants. A height and weight that is required to maintain him in circulation and boss his game.

His mind drifts back to last and talks with confidence as he mention the experience from last season. As he discusses the roles he enjoys most on the field. "I'm a central midfielder who can play either holding or attacking. Last season was a good season for me because I got offered my 2 year contract and I had many good highlights such as playing up years."

Several African stars have been pivotal in the almost three decades evolution of the English Premier. The influence of Austin Okocha, Nwanko Kanu, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien has inspired lots of young African talents and shaped up their dreams of playing in the most world's most competitive league. Bonsu reveals Ivorian Yaya Toure's superior midfield qualities and big presence has inspired his early career and he wants to grow playing with a big image like the record-holding CAF Player of the Year Award winner. "I look up to Yaya Toure a lot of people say I could be as good as him, and I play his role so I will love to emulate him. He has a lot of unimaginable qualities in midfield with his strong and imposing physical presence. He's technically good too."

The youngster talks with caution when quizzed about his international future. He is in solemn mood as he talked about Danny Welbeck's choice to represent England's Three Lions instead of the Black Stars and pledges his future to Ghana, revealing he wants to start from the Ghanaian junior ranks. "My ambition is to play for a big club hopefully and play for my country which is my target to represent Ghana this year. Whether it is at U17 or any age group. I'm working to get myself to the level where I can be a force in the English Premier League."

After watching Ghana play in recent times, Bonsu has developed affection for the Black Stars and has his own favourites in Avram Grant's squad and he will be getting a close view of them as his choices are all going to play in the English top-flight this season. "My favourite Ghana player is Andre Ayew. I like Christian Atsu too but I do enjoy watching Wakaso as well because of the energy he puts into the game."