New York City FC fan favorite Kwadwo Poku working on defensive game to earn more minutes

Dylan Butler

PURCHASE, N.Y. – His name is chanted by adoring New York City FC fans at Yankee Stadium.

No, it’s not David Villa. It’s not Mix Diskerud.

The 23-year-old midfielder from Ghana, who transferred to New York City FC from the Atlanta Silverbacks in the NASL, already has a cult following from the expansion side’s fans, but it’s not something that surprises Poku.

You see, he’s been there, done that.

READ: Villa one of many of NYCFC's walking wounded nearing return to action

“It was the same case in Atlanta,” said Poku, who scored twice in 25 appearances with the Silverbacks and had a dramatic Open Cup game-winner against Real Salt Lake. “I have some diehard fans there. Some of them came to our first game in Orlando and our preseason games.”

Why do the fans clamor for the solidly-built, 6-foot-1, 195-pound Poku? One big reason is that he is electric when running at defenders in the attacking third. But his work on the defensive side and without the ball remain a work in progress.

“Poku is a fantastically talented player when he has the ball at his feet, but I think he has a lot to learn and a lot to develop when he doesn’t have the ball at his feet,” NYCFC coach Jason Kreis said. “Even when we’re in possession, what kind of runs is he making to free himself, to get himself into good spots? When we don’t have the ball, is he really focused and committed to defend? We’ve challenged him with that, and I think he’s heading in a good direction. He’s certainly shown that in the last couple of days of training.”

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Kreis is confident Poku, who has played a total of 76 minutes in three appearances as a substitute, can be a quality two-way player. Poku, meanwhile, is still adjusting to a new coaching staff and a new level of soccer.

“This is my first MLS team, and it’s very different from the coaches that I used to deal with,” Poku said. “I’m still working on a couple of things. I think it will get there. The whole idea now is to get me in a better spot that will help the team.”

One of those former coaches is Eric Wynalda, who serves as a mentor to Poku and remains one of his biggest fans.

“He is the one person who told me I had that thing, and not really all players have that. He gave me that motivation to create those chances for the team,” Poku said. “He talked to me as a parent. I really listen to him, somebody like that who played on a higher level. I want to be where he got and follow those dreams. He’s one of my inspirations.”

Poku himself is serving as an early inspiration to NYCFC fans.

“I’m used to that, and I’m really happy for that,” Poku said. “I thank the fans for that.”