At just 19, the FC Nordsjælland starlet is already proving himself as a standout in Denmark. However, should he be moulded as a right-back for the Black Stars, or as the midfield general his numbers suggest he could become?
Yirenkyi may only be in his first full season with FCN, but he has wasted no time stamping his authority.
Over the weekend, he scored his first goal of the campaign, yet his value lies far beyond goals.
He has played every available minute so far (630 in total, which is the most in the league), a remarkable vote of confidence at his age.
He also leads the Danish Superliga in tackles won (17), while racking up 397 successful passes, creating nine chances, completing six dribbles, winning 43 duels, making 56 recoveries, and drawing 10 fouls.
These are not the stats of a timid teenager; they are the numbers of a player who can read and also dictate games.
And that’s why the debate matters. Ghana called him up for the recent fixtures against Chad and Mali as a defender, having impressed at right-back in the Unity Cup back in May.
In that role, he showed he can push high and wide or drift inside to combine with midfielders. Against Chad in particular, where Ghana will see most of the ball, that freedom from deep could make him a weapon.
But here’s the reality: the decision on Yirenkyi’s role cannot be postponed. His pathway to the 2026 World Cup squad looks much clearer at right-back than in midfield.
Kingsley Schindler is ageing at 32 years. Alidu Seidu, while returning from an ACL injury, is more naturally a centre-back. Tariq Lamptey has not played a competitive minute this season and hasn’t featured for Ghana in almost a year. The position is wide open, and right now, Yirenkyi is in pole position to grab it.
Midfield, on the other hand, is stacked. Thomas Partey, Majeed Ashimeru, Elisha Owusu, Salis Abdul Samed, Ibrahim Sulemana, Francis Abu, Lawrence Agyekum, and the list goes on. That’s a crowded space for a 19-year-old to break into, especially if Ghana qualifies for the 2026 World Cup.
So while his long-term destiny may still lie in midfield, where his passing range, duel-winning, and Essien-like instincts can truly blossom, the present is pointing him firmly toward right-back. And perhaps that’s not a bad thing. After all, Essien himself spent early years at right-back and centre-back before establishing himself as a midfield powerhouse. For Yirenkyi, that versatility could be the perfect foundation.
The real challenge for Otto Addo and his staff is to manage his development wisely. In the short term, right-back may be Yirenkyi’s ticket to the World Cup.
In the long term, Ghana may find itself with a midfielder of generational quality. Either way, the Black Stars have a diamond on their hands and the only question is how to cut it.
The Black Star Watch is a compelling weekly column written by Owuraku Ampofo, a seasoned sports journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Ghanaian players. This column aims to uncover patterns, address pressing questions, and illuminate trending topics surrounding Ghanaian footballers.
