Nana Ofori-Twumasi: Ready to take next step at Chelsea

If all goes to plan, this season will be all about new experiences for young Chelsea defender Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi.

Just days after returning from England's U20 World Championship campaign in Egypt, Ofori-Twumasi already has his sights on kickstarting his senior career by getting a loan move away from Chelsea.

"That’s my main aim this season, to go out and enjoy a successful loan period," Ofori-Twumasi told tribalfootball.com. "I really want a taste of first team football where you're under pressure to perform and a crowd behind you that are passionate about the team you play for.

"That would give me a real big buzz."

While yet to make the breakthrough at Chelsea, Ofori-Twumasi's reputation is already growing across Europe and he almost clinched a move to Spain on deadline day in August.

"My agent informed me of the Real Mallorca interest, but it was very close to deadline day and it didn’t quite materialise. I can still go out before the January window domestically so we’ll have to wait and see," he added.

It's not just across Europe where Ofori-Twumasi is attracting attention. The 19 year-old spent his first eight years in Ghana and admits their FA are in regular contact about committing internationally to the Black Stars.

"Playing for Ghana is on the agenda and I have been approached by the Ghanaian FA on numerous occasions," says Ofori-Twumasi.

"After the Ghana game in Egypt, they expressed their interest in calling me up for the senior squad and they also spoke to my parents about it. For now though it’s not the most important thing as I just want to get some first team experience under my belt.

"I’m sure that when you're doing well the call up will come, whether its England or Ghana."

Indeed, Ofori-Twumasi admits it was an emotional occasion for himself and his family when he faced Ghana in an England shirt for their U20 group game in Egypt.

Ghana won the tournament on the weekend and Ofori-Twumasi adds: "Playing against Ghana was emotional because I knew most of the players for Ghana. We had a chat before and after the game.

"Because it is my native country, it was a big game for me personally but they would be the first to admit they were also surprised that they manage to beat us 4-0!"

On his personal form in Egypt, Ofori-Twumasi came away happy with how he played for England.

"Personally I thought I did well despite me not playing my regular position of right back. I think I showed my versatility of being able to play anywhere across the back and did well in the first game. I came on in the second half against Uruguay at left back and did well. I also played there against Ghana."

A gifted athlete, Ofori-Twumasi revealed he had approaches from several teams as a junior before committing to Chelsea.

"I was spotted playing for my school team by a scout called Mark Stow who also ran a Sunday league team," recalled Ofori-Twumasi. "He approached me after my school game and told me he liked me as a player but I’ve got other areas in my game I need to improve on.

"He stated that if I do this in his Sunday league team he would take me to Chelsea because he also works for them. I also had scouts from Arsenal and Charlton approach me but Mark told me Chelsea was the right club and I should stay and improve on the areas I’m weak in. It was true though, when the season finished he took me to Chelsea and they signed me after a weeks trial!"

International football has been important in Ofori-Twumasi's fledgling career and he reveals how success with England fast-tracked his pro deal won at Chelsea.

He says: "I was overwhelmed when I got offered a pro deal! However it did come from a lot of hard work!

"I was originally offered a two year scholarship by Chelsea but I got called up by England U17s to the European championship where we got to the final but unfortunately lost to Spain.

"That was also the same year we had the U17s World Cup in South Korea, where we reached the quarter final. I played really well in both competitions so when I came back from the World Cup Chelsea called me in and offered me a two year pro contract - which I signed without hesitation as I was so happy to get another opportunity to learn from the best."

After gaining so much international experience at youth level, Ofori-Twumasi is now planning with his manager, Freddie Akehurst, and his agent his first serious step into senior football.

A loan move is the goal for the youngster and he adds that Chelsea are also keen for him to find first team experience this season.

"My agent and Chelsea sat down in the summer to find out what plans they have for me and they came to the conclusion that me going out on loan to get some first team experience would be invaluable at this moment in time.

"I want to challenge myself by playing week in and week out and really fighting to get the points."