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“He underlines what Canada is. It’s a country that accepts all,” he said of the native of Ghana who moved to Canada when he was five.

“Having been an immigrant myself, it’s a country that embraces people from all sorts of backgrounds and I think it resonates because it says something about hard work and something about humility and Canadians like that.

“They see a kid they helped on his journey and they can be part of his journey now. He’s openly said that. This country took him in and helped him get where he’s at today.

“One would think with his trajectory that he could be one of the best players to play this game in this country. I think we all just hope he doesn’t get lost in the big world of professional football. It has consumed many a young talent. If he keeps smiling and keeps his feet on the ground, he could play a massive role for this county between now and 2022 and 2026.

“He’s an incredible player and person. He plays with no fear. I think he’s experienced a lot in his life that enables him to have a threshold greater than most people — to dare, to do and to bring his identity.

“He just plays with that smile on his face. He gets kicked on the field he just gets back up. There’s no theatrics, no rolling around. He just seems to enjoy his football. And when you see him off the field, he seems to bring that same personality as on it. He brings that special joy that football is meant to be.”

Herdman said the thing he likes best is how much Canada means to this kid.