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Caleb Ekuban

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Caleb Ekuban
Personal information
Full name Caleb Ansah Ekuban[1]
Date of birth (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 30)
Place of birth Villafranca di Verona, Italy
Height 1.82 m (5 ft 11+1⁄2 in)[2]
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Trabzonspor
(on loan from Leeds United)
Number 18
Youth career
2010–2012 Chievo Verona
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2017 Chievo Verona 0 (0)
2013–2014 → Südtirol (loan) 7 (1)
2014–2015 → Lumezzane (loan) 48 (7)
2015–2016 → Renate (loan) 31 (4)
2016–2017 → Partizani Tirana (loan) 34 (17)
2017– Leeds United 20 (1)
2018- → Trabzonspor (loan) 1 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 6 September 2018

Caleb Ansah Ekuban (born 23 March 1994) is an Italian-born footballer of Ghanaian descent who plays for Turkish Süper Lig club Trabzonspor on loan from Leeds United as a striker.

Ekuban is a striker known for his pace, technical ability and strong physique. His style of play and prolific goal scoring as a youngster in the Chievo youth team saw him likened to compatriot Mario Balotelli.[3][4]

Early life

Caleb Ekuban was born in Villafranca di Verona, Italy,[5] to Ghanaian parents, Rev. Kobina and Sabina Ekuban. Caleb's father is the district elder of the Pentecostal Assembly of Churches in Italy as well as an accountant and business entrepreneur.

Ekuban was one of seven children growing up in Italy. At the age of 10 his father was transferred to Mantova for ministerial duties and registered Ekuban along with two of his brothers with the Mantova youth team. Ekuban stood out and went on to be signed up by Chievo. He is fluent in Italian and is also able to speak Fanti, the major local dialect in the Central Region of Ghana.[6]

Club career

Chievo Verona

After progressing through the youth system at Chievo, Ekuban was called up for the first time to the senior squad by the coach Eugenio Corini on 26 January 2013 for the Serie A match against Lazio, he remained an unused substitute as Chievo won 1–0 at Stadio Olimpico.[7] Ekuban never appeared professionally for Chievo and was loaned out to four clubs over a four-year period and despite being contracted to the club until 2018, he was transferred to Leeds in July 2017.[8]

Loan at Südtirol

In July 2013, Ekuban was sent on loan at Südtirol to gain more playing experience.[9] In August he was the subject of racial abuse in a Coppa Italia first round match against Matera with the perpetrator later receiving a 10 match suspension.[10] He made his professional debut on 1 September by playing in the last 31 minutes of the 1–1 home draw against Reggiana.[11] He scored his first goal later on 13 October, giving his side a point in the match against Venezia.[12] However, his spell at the club was short-lived, and after making only seven league appearances, which only two of them as a starter, Ekuban left the club in January 2014.[13]

Loan at Lumezzane

In January 2014, Ekuban was loaned to fellow Lega Pro side Lumezzane for one and a half seasons. During his spell there, he played 48 league matches, scoring seven goals.

Loan at Renate

On 6 August 2015, Ekuban was loaned to Renate until the end of 2015–16 season.[14] He played his first match for Renate on 6 September in a 1–0 away defeat to Mantova, playing the full 90 minutes.[15] Ekuban scored his first goal of the season in his second league appearance for the new team on 13 September in the 1–1 home draw against Giana Erminio.[16] He finished the 2015–16 season by playing 31 league matches, 24 of them as a starter, scoring 4 goals as Renate finished Group A in 11th position.

Loan at Partizani Tirana

On 4 July 2016, Ekuban completed a season long loan move to Albanian Superliga side Partizani Tirana for the 2016–17 season and was given the number 45.[17] Six days later, was named in Partizani's final 23-man UEFA Champions League squad.[18] He made his competitive debut on 13 July in the first leg of Champions League second qualifying round against Ferencvárosi, playing in the last 23 minutes of the 1–1 draw at Elbasan Arena.[19] In the returning leg one week later, Ekuban played again as a substitute, and after the regular and extra time had finished in a 1–1 draw, the game was decided on penalty shootout where Ekuban successfully converted his penalty shootout attempt, helping Partizani to win 3–1.[20]

Ekuban played full-90 minutes in both legs of Champions League third qualifying round against Red Bull Salzburg, who eliminated Partizani with the aggregate 3–0.[21] Then, Partizani moved to Europa League play-off round where they faced Krasnodar, losing 4–0 on aggregate; Ekuban played full-90 minutes in both legs, and finished his European campaign with six appearances.[22]

Ekuban made his domestic debut on 7 September in the opening league match against Luftëtari Gjirokastër, finished in a 1–0 away win.[23] He opened his scoring account later on 18 September in the matchday 3 against Teuta Durrës, scoring the second goal of the 2–0 away win.[24]

He made his Albanian Cup debut on 7 October in the returning leg of the first round against Kevitan, scoring the fourth goal of the 4–0 win, helping the team to secure the progression to the next round with the aggregate 9–1.[25] On 13 October, in Sulejman Starova's first match in charge, Ekuban scored both goals in a 2–0 away win at Laçi, returning Partizani in the winning ways after two matches.[26] Ekuban finished the 16/17 season as second top scorer in the Albanian Superliga finishing the season with 17 league goals to his name (with 18 in all competitions). With his goals helping Partizani Tirana to a 2nd-place finish in the league and UEFA Europa League qualification.[27]

Leeds United

On 11 July 2017, Leeds United announced the signing of Ekuban on a four-year contract from Serie A side Chievo Verona for an undisclosed fee.[28] On 13 July, Ekuban revealed he was hoping to score goals like former Leeds legend and countryman Tony Yeboah.[29] On 9 August 2017, he made his first-team debut in the League Cup tie 4–1 victory against Port Vale, with Ekuban scoring on his debut after an assist from Ezgjan Alioski, he also provided an assist for Samuel Saiz's hatrick goal in the same game.[30]

On 19 August, Ekuban made his League debut against Sunderland replacing regular striker Chris Wood who pulled himself out the squad due to interest from a Premier League side.[31] Ekuban however picked up an injury breaking a bone in his foot and had to be substituted in the second half.[32]

He returned from injury against Middlesbrough on 19 November 2017, however Ekuban broke his foot again on 10 December in Leeds' 1–3 victory against QPR.[33] Ekuban returned to the match day squad on 10 February against Sheffield United.[34] On 30 March 2018, Ekuban scored his first League goal for Leeds against Bolton Wanderers.[35]

With speculation that he was not in Marcelo Bielsa's plans, on 26 July 2018, Ekuban was not given a shirt number for Leeds for the upcoming 2018–19 season for Leeds.[36]

Loan at Trabzonspor

On 29 August 2018, Ekbuan joined Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor on a season long loan.[37]

Ekuban made his debut coming on for Hugo Rodallega against Galatasaray in the 86th minute on 1 September 2018, scoring on his debut in a 4-0 victory. This goal held significance for some Leeds United fans due to a rivalry with the Turkish side Galatasaray.[38]

International career

Ekuban is eligible to play for both Ghana and Italy at international level.[39] On 12 July 2017, Ekuban revealed it is his intention to represent Ghana.[40]

On 20 April 2018, Ekuban met with Ghana national team head coach Akwasi Appiah.

Career statistics

As of match played 14 December 2017 [41][42][43]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Chievo Verona 2012–13 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
2013–14 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
2014–15 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
2015–16 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
2016–17 Serie A 0 0 0 0 — — 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Südtirol (loan) 2013–14 Lega Pro 7 1 2 1 — — 9 2
Lumezzane (loan) 2013–14 Lega Pro 13 2 0 0 — — 13 2
2014–15 35 5 2 0 — — 37 5
Total 48 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 50 7
Renate (loan) 2015–16 Lega Pro 31 4 2 0 — — 33 4
Partizani Tirana (loan) 2016–17 Albanian Superliga 34 17 2 1 — 6[a] 0[b] 42 18
Leeds United 2017–18 Championship 6 0 0 0 1 1 — 7 1
Career total 121 29 8 2 1 1 6 0 141 33
  1. ^ Four appearances in UEFA Champions League, two appearances in UEFA Europa League
  2. ^ Scored in the penalty shootout against Ferencvárosi TC

References

  1. ^ CALEB ANSAH EKUBAN VERLÄSST DEN FCS – FC Südtirol
  2. ^ https://www.sport.de/fussball/pe305115/caleb-ekuban/
  3. ^ http://mobile.ghanasoccernet.com/ghana-starlet-ekuban-bidding-time-to-shine-at-chievo
  4. ^ http://gianlucadimarzio.com/it/ecco-ekuban-il-balotelli-del-lumezzane-sogno-di-tornare-al-chievo-quei-paragoni-con-mario-e-il-consiglio-di-corini
  5. ^ "Caleb Ansah Ekuban" (in Italian). Südtirol. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  6. ^ http://www.theafricaninternationalherald.com/index.php/quick-guide/item/658-caleb-ekuban-the-ghanaian-italian-rising-star-with-impressive-scoring-run-like-mario-balotelli
  7. ^ "Lazio vs. Chievo 0 – 1". Soccerway. 26 January 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  8. ^ https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://gazzettadimantova.gelocal.it/sport/2017/02/08/news/ekuban-re-d-albania-ai-vertici-della-serie-a-con-il-suo-partizani-1.14844778&prev=search
  9. ^ "NUOVO INNESTO IN ATTACO: ARRIVA L'ITALO-GHANESE CALEB EKUBAN" (in Italian). Südtirol. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  10. ^ http://m.huffpost.com/uk/entry/3719872
  11. ^ "Südtirol vs. Reggiana 1 – 1". Soccerway. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  12. ^ "Venezia vs. Südtirol 1 – 1". Soccerway. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  13. ^ "CALEB ANSAH EKUBAN LASCIA L'FC SUDTIROL" (in Italian). Südtirol. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  14. ^ "Ufficiale: Yamga al Siena, Ekuban al Renate" (in Italian). ChievoVerona.it. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  15. ^ "Mantova vs. Renate 1–0". Soccerway. 6 September 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  16. ^ "Renate vs. Giana Erminio 1 – 1". Soccerway. 13 September 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  17. ^ Rinald Bregasi (4 July 2016). "Partizani afron Kaleb Ansah Ekuban" (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  18. ^ "Lista e Partizanit në Champions" (in Albanian). Gazeta Tribuna. 10 July 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  19. ^ "Partizani barazon me Ferencvarosh, Fili shënon super-gol" (in Albanian). Newsport.al. 13 July 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  20. ^ "Ferencvárosi vs. Partizani Tirana". Soccerway. 20 July 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  21. ^ Andi Deçka (3 August 2016). "Dorëzohet Partizani, humbet 2–0 me Salzburg" (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  22. ^ "Partizani nuk mposhtet në Elbasan nga Krasnodar, por eliminohet" (in Albanian). Top Channel. 25 August 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  23. ^ "Luftëtari Gjirokastër vs. Partizani Tirana 0 – 1". Soccerway. 7 September 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  24. ^ Adi Metaliu (18 September 2016). "Partizani cinik, mposht 2–0 Teutën" (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  25. ^ "FK PARTIZANI 4 – 0 FC KEVITAN" (in Albanian). Partizani.al. 7 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  26. ^ "Zhbllokohet Ekuban, rikthehet Mazrekaj, fiton Partizani" (in Albanian). Telesport.al. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  27. ^ http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=alb/domesticleague/topscorers/index.html
  28. ^ "WHITES SNAP UP FORWARD". Leeds United. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  29. ^ "CALEB EKUBAN: THIS IS A VERY BIG STEP". Leeds United. 13 July 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  30. ^ "Leeds United 4–1 Port Vale". BBC Sport. 9 August 2017.
  31. ^ "Sunderland vs Leeds". Sky Sports. 19 August 2017.
  32. ^ "Leeds United team news: Vurnon Anita cleared but doubts remain on attacking duo". YEP. 24 August 2017.
  33. ^ "QPR 1 Leeds United 3: Roofe as first-choice, Ekuban's injury and Wiedwald in goal – Talking Points". YEP. 10 December 2017.
  34. ^ "Sheffield United Vs Leeds". BBC Sport. 10 February 2018.
  35. ^ "Leeds Vs Bolton". BBC Sport. 30 March 2018.
  36. ^ "2018/19 SQUAD NUMBERS ANNOUNCED". Leeds United. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  37. ^ "Caleb Ekuban: Leeds forward moves to Trabzonspor on season-long loan". BBC Sport. 29 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  38. ^ "hanaian forward Caleb Ekuban enjoys dream debut as Trabzonspor annihilate Galatasaray". Ghana Soccer. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  39. ^ "CALEB EKUBAN FACT FILE". Leeds United. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  40. ^ http://mobile.ghanasoccernet.com/italian-born-ghanaian-striker-caleb-ekuban-wants-to-play-for-ghana
  41. ^ Caleb Ekuban at Soccerway. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  42. ^ "Football : Caleb Ekuban". Football Database. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  43. ^ "EKUBAN CALEB ANSAH" (in Italian). TuttoCalciatori.net. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
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