In the first of our new blog series we profile 5 Ghanaian players to watch during the tournament. With Essien out, Muntari (at the time of writing) stuggling to make the first game and Mensah, Paintsil and Appiah just back after lengthy injury absences, new Black Stars will have to emerge if Ghana are to advance. Some of our choices will be better known to foreign fans than others but they will all benefit from playing on the world's greatest stage.
Let us know what you think of our picks.
1. Isaac Vorsah
The giant 21 year old centre-back was impressive at the African Nations Cup earlier this year. Standing at 6"5 he will line up alongside the equally imposing John Mensah in a formidable back line. Currently playing for Hoffenheim in Germany, he is being tracked by several English Premier League clubs.
2. Dede Ayew
Son of the great Abedi Pele, Dede Ayew captained Ghana's U-20 side to World Cup glory last year. He is just 20 years old and though on Marseille's books has been loaned out to lower league clubs in France for the past couple of years. Matured a lot during the World Cup winning run and during the Nations Cup. Competition for places in Ghana's midfield is tough but he will show his class if given game time.
3. Kwadwo Asamoah
Our tip to be Ghana's player of the tournament. Hard working and talented left/centre midfielder he is again only 21 years old. Currently playing for Udinese, he looks set to follow the footsteps of the equally dynamic Muntari and it will not be long before he moves to one of Europe's bigger clubs.
4. Kevin Prince-Boateng
Only made his debut yesterday against Latvia but looked instantly comfortable. Performances with Portsmouth this year have shown him to be versatile and tough and he may be deployed in a holding role for Ghana with Appiah not yet himself.
5. Dominic Adiyiah
Top scorer in last year's U-20 World Cup win Adiyiah was also awarded player of the tournament and has since moved to Italian giants Milan. Do not expect Adiyiah to start (Asamoah Gyan is still rightly Ghana's first choice striker and he may be supported by Kwadwo Asamoah in an advanced midfield role) but could prove a great impact sub if he gets the opportunity. Another one for the future.
Good piece. Ghana looks to have an all round squad. Coach Rajevac should spend the days leading to the world cup working on the rough edges. Lee Addy looked comfortable defending but can give us more options on the left side of attack if he overlaps and we need to encourage Richard Kingston, though he looks rusty he is our sure bet for a better show. our midfield looks good but not as commanding as expected. Go Black Stars........
ReplyDelete