Ronan Kpakio's Remarkable Rise in Football
Ronan Kpakio is experiencing a breakthrough season that has left even the young Cardiff City right-back astonished at the rapid ascent of his career.
At this time last year, the 18-year-old had made only two senior appearances for his club. Now, he has become a regular starter, contributing both goals and assists, and has earned two caps for the Wales national team.
"It’s really exciting. I’m quite young, so this is all new to me," Kpakio remarked. "Being able to play regularly is all I can ask for because I just want to improve. Adding the international experience is significant for me, and I believe it will only help my development. I’m grateful to be in a position to achieve this."
While Kpakio may be surprised by his own progress, it has not caught Wales head coach Craig Bellamy off guard. Bellamy described Kpakio's potential as "ridiculously high" when he first included him in the senior squad in May. He even attempted to sign Kpakio for Burnley while serving as an assistant coach, impressed by the defender's athleticism and intelligence.
"When he (Bellamy) first called me up, I was surprised, and I’ve attended several camps since then," Kpakio shared. "His coaching style is great for me. He’s very honest and genuinely wants the best for us, which is all I can ask from a coach."
The same sentiment is echoed by Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy, who took over in the summer to revitalize a team recovering from relegation to League One. Barry-Murphy has introduced an energetic, attacking style of play similar to Bellamy's approach with Wales, focusing on developing Cardiff's academy talents.
This strategy has resulted in an increased presence of Cardiff players in recent Wales squads, with the latest team including four academy graduates, Kpakio among them. "He (Barry-Murphy) is crucial to our development. He’s really changed our mindset," Kpakio noted.
"Our mentality has evolved into something we truly value. You can see how we play and press; it’s very intense, and he plays a significant role in that, along with the rest of the coaching staff. The style of play suits me well; I feel more comfortable and confident in my role."
Kpakio exemplifies the modern full-back, being adventurous and creative, equally skilled at overlapping with wingers or linking play in midfield. "I’d say I’m very positive in my approach. I overlap frequently, and I’m aggressive in my play," he explained.
"As a young player, there are many role models to look up to, but as a right-back, I’ve focused on players like Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Jeremie Frimpong—players who showcase their attacking abilities while also being solid defensively."
Amid a busy schedule for both Cardiff and Wales, Kpakio will have ample opportunities to demonstrate his dual capabilities on the field. Given the trajectory of his burgeoning career, it seems he is destined for continued success.