Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has paid tribute to Ghana international Brandon Thomas-Asante, describing the striker’s journey from English non-league football to the FIFA World Cup as a story of determination and perseverance.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville reflected on Thomas-Asante’s time at Salford City and revealed how the forward quickly convinced the club’s coaching staff that he was destined for bigger things.
“I love Brandon Thomas-Asante. He used to play for Salford. He deserves it. He deserves it, he’s good,” Neville said.
Thomas-Asante’s rise has been far from straightforward. After being released by Milton Keynes Dons as a teenager, the striker earned an opportunity at Salford City through a trial and immediately impressed those around the club.
Neville recalled how respected coaches Chris Casper and Warren Joyce were instrumental in identifying the young forward’s potential.
“He was at Milton Keynes Dons and got released. I think he was 18 or 19. We were setting up our B team and we had trials. Warren Joyce said, ‘You’ve got to sign that lad now,’” Neville revealed.
The former England captain also remembered the striker’s explosive start to a season at Salford, when he quickly became one of the club’s standout performers.
“I remember going on holiday to Greece in August and we’d started the season. I think he’d scored five or six in eight games. He was on fire. He was ripping up teams,” he added.
Since leaving Salford, Thomas-Asante has continued his steady climb through English football, earning moves to West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City while also establishing himself as a member of Ghana’s national team.
Neville believes the striker’s journey is proof that talent can emerge from any level of the game if players are given the right opportunities.
“He’ll be in the Premier League this year. He got Ghana in a World Cup,” Neville said.
Thomas-Asante recently played a key role in Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama, providing the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s late winner as the Black Stars secured all three points in their opening Group L fixture.