One to Watch #31: Nana Ofori-Twumasi

Last updated : 03 February 2010 By Dan Buxton

Name: Nana Ofori-Twumasi

Date of Birth: 15th May 1990

Position: Defender

Club: Chelsea

Previous clubs: Dagenham & Redbridge(loan)

International caps(goals): England U16 4(0)

                                               England U17 6(2)

                                               England U18 10(3)

                                               England U20 2(0)

Ghanain born right back who plays for England after moving to this country aged nine. He grew up in West London, on the same estate as Carlton Cole, and has represented England at every level from U16 to U20.

His main attributes are his pace and strength, he was a junior athletics champion, and he takes penalties for the England youth sides and Chelsea reserves, for whom he was an ever present last season and played the first four games of this season. He was also captain of that reserve side and also the team that got to the final of the Youth Cup in 2007/8.

The youngster joined Dagenham and Redbridge in November on a loan that was extended until he returned to Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago.  He played eight times for Dagenham during the loan spell, scoring twice.

He has turned down numerous approaches from the Ghanain FA to represent his country of birth and has his sights set on playing for England, and Chelsea. His commitment to the cause at the Bridge was underlined on deadline day in August when, after impressing in the World U20's Championships, he turned down an offer from Spanish giants Real Mallorca to stay at the Bridge and try and force his way into the team.