The Premier League has brought in a lot of players this offseason with plenty who show promise of filling the boots of those who have left England. Two players in particular, Jordan and Andre Ayew, are newcomers this year and are looking for anyway to put their names up in headlines. Just like the Toure or Wright-Phillips brothers before, the two Ayew brothers bring a sibling rivalry to the league that is one to watch for.
The two Ayew brothers grew up in France to their Ghanan father Abedi Pele, who became one of the first African players to play for major European clubs, and his wife. The first matches of the Prem were some of Pele’s proudest moments after believing that his sons could play top division football in England.
Andre Ayew during his time in France for Marseille. Photo: @Footium | Twitter
“It was special to me and all Africans, I had friends from all over the continent calling so it was a big thing. It makes me feel very proud but at the same time you become tense hours before the games, you keep on praying that they don’t injured, that they are outstanding and score” said Pele in a BBC Sport interview.
From an early age, their father was a major influence for them as he lead them through youth academies in France. “I always thought it was advisable that they went there [France] early and luckily because I played there when they were born,” explained Pele. Sure enough, it paid off for the Ayew brothers in the long run who will now face each other at least twice this season for their respective clubs.
Andre Ayew, who plays for the Swans, has had the best start of the brothers after scoring twice in two games. His late goal against Chelsea stopped the Blues from earning an early win and three points in their title defending campaign. As for his brother Jordan, he has appeared in both matches for Villa, but failed to get his name on the score sheet early on like his brother.
It is only the beginning stages of their young careers, and it will take time for both to become fully acclimated to the league. But just like Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it took time for them to become who they are today. Even the Neville brothers worked for years to become a strong pillar in the Manchester United Class of ’92.
