Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed strong admiration for defender Derrick Kohn following his decision to represent Ghana at international level.
The 27-year-old, who was born in Germany, officially switched allegiance in November 2025 and quickly made his debut for the Black Stars during a 2-0 loss to Japan in the Kirin Cup. His inclusion in Ghana’s squad for upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany highlights his growing importance to the team.
Addo noted that Kohn made a positive impression during his first appearances and believes the defender is firmly in contention for a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the coach, Kohn’s adaptability on the left flank gives the team more tactical options.
Currently playing for Union Berlin, Kohn has been a regular feature this season, operating mainly as a wing-back under manager Steffen Baumgart. His ability to balance defensive duties with attacking support has stood out, especially in a system that demands high work rate and positional awareness.
Addo emphasized that while Ghana has several strong attacking wingers, flexibility remains key in team selection. Kohn’s profile allows him to fit into different roles depending on the opposition and match situation, including more defensive setups on the flanks.
The former Bayern Munich youth player has made 25 league appearances this season, playing a key role in Union Berlin’s stable campaign. Addo believes the club’s steady performances are partly down to Kohn’s consistency and development.
With the World Cup approaching, the Ghana coach sees Kohn as a valuable asset whose progress is moving in the right direction, strengthening his chances of securing a place in the final squad.
