By Aja Beyai
In Essau, they call him Ruben Diaz. Not because he plays in the Premier League. Not yet. But because when Sulayman Jammeh patrols the backline, tackles come clean, passes come long, and the team comes first.
Now 19, the Essau Central Football Academy player is on loan at Essau United in the third division. And he’s playing a position he didn’t start in defensive midfield after years of leading from centre-back.
“I started playing football at a young age in my community,” Jammeh says. “By intermediate level, I was already captaining my team, and that leadership role helped me grow both as a player and a person.”
Inspired by his brother, crowned as a kid
His first football hero wasn’t on TV. “I was inspired by my older brother, who played locally.” That spark turned into silverware early. “My most memorable childhood moment was winning my first junior tournament trophy as captain, it gave me the belief that I could lead and succeed.”
Behind him was family. “My family always encouraged me, even making sure I had time to train while balancing school. Their support gave me the confidence to pursue football seriously.”
The switch: From last man to launch pad
Jammeh built his reputation as a no-nonsense central defender. Then the coach saw something else.
“The coach saw my ability to read the game and distribute the ball, so I transitioned to midfield,” he explains. “It was challenging at first, but it suited my strengths.”
The demands changed overnight. “As a defender, the focus is on stopping attacks. As a midfielder, I must balance defense with initiating attacks, which requires more vision and stamina.”
So he adapted. “I worked on my passing range and positioning. I studied experienced midfielders and practiced controlling the tempo of the game.”
The result? A new identity. “I play as a defensive midfielder, after starting as a central defender. My greatest strengths are reading the game, breaking up attacks, long-range passes, long shots and organising the team.”
His signature? “My most effective skill is intercepting passes and quickly transitioning the ball to attack. It helps the team move from defence to offence smoothly.”
Vice-captain with a winner’s mentality
Jammeh doesn’t just play, he leads. A few months ago, he lifted the regional zonal cup as vice-captain. “It was my proudest achievement. It showed that I could contribute to success at a higher level.”
Leadership was forged young. “In one junior tournament, we lost our opening game. As captain, I motivated the team to stay focused, and we fought back to win the trophy. That taught me the importance of leadership under pressure.”
Setbacks don’t shake him. “I see setbacks as lessons. After a tough loss, I review what went wrong and work harder in training. Injuries are frustrating, but I use recovery time to study tactics and improve mentally.”
Discipline off the pitch
Jammeh’s approach is old-school. “I knew that if you want to go far in football, you must avoid clubbing, smoking and similar habits. I always make efforts to stay fit and prepared.”
Match prep is ritual. “I prepare by analysing opponents, and doing light stretches. Before games, I like to visualise key moments and remind myself of my responsibilities.”
Free time? Still football. “I enjoy reading about football tactics and spending time with friends. It helps me relax and stay motivated.”
The Essau engine with Premier League eyes
At Essau United, on loan from Essau Central FA, Jammeh is becoming the bridge. “I see myself becoming the link between defense and attack, guiding younger players, and eventually leading the team again.”
The third division is just a step. “Local league experience taught me leadership, resilience, and teamwork. These qualities will help me succeed at higher levels.”
His five-year plan is bold. “I see myself playing at a higher level, hopefully representing my country, playing in the top leagues like the Premier League.”
The ultimate target? “My ultimate goal is to play at professional level. I plan to achieve it by continuous training, discipline, and learning from every match.”
Off the pitch, the vision stays rooted. “I want to inspire young players in my community.”
Why ‘Ruben Diaz’ fits
The nickname stuck because of the style: calm under pressure, vocal, positionally sharp, and allergic to losing duels. Like Manchester City’s Diaz, Jammeh organizes, intercepts, and starts attacks from deep. Unlike Diaz, he’s now doing it 10 yards further forward and loving it.
From central defender to defensive midfield, from community captain to zonal cup vice-captain, Sulayman Jammeh’s path isn’t linear. It’s upward.
And if you ask him where it ends: “National level… Champions League, and similar competitions.”
In Essau, they believe him. That’s why they call him, Ruben Diaz.
