Background

In football, the national pool places unique constraints on international managers who must make do with players available to them and cannot sign new players – unlike their club counterparts.

However, the national pool also presents unique opportunities for coaches. International football windows are often immensely brief, opponents are usually known far in advance and can, thus, be scouted for strategy. That knowledge can be applied in the squad selection. Refreshingly, national pools also provide far greater freedom in squad selection than any club manager receives. Rather than 23 players, a manager may have 70 viable options.

 For these reasons, an intimate knowledge of the national pool is of immense importance. That knowledge, though, is easier to gain for some than it is for others.

 Take the current world champions, France. Coach Didier Deschamps has 421 players to choose from Europe’s top five leagues (Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, the Bundesliga and the Premier League) which have a heavy data and statistical coverage for easy player monitoring. These leagues are also just short trips away from France.

 New Ghana coach C.K. Akonnor, meanwhile, faces a very different challenge. In all likelihood, the majority of players to be selected for his first squad ply their trade outside the country. Most are in Europe but some are as far afield as China, Mexico and the United States.

 The ability to gather knowledge on those players is therefore much more of a challenge. Yet, that knowledge must be gathered in order to give the Black Stars the best chance of success. By understanding the options available, the team can make smarter decisions about squad selection.

 Furthermore, for teams like Ghana, their international programme makes an awareness of a wealth of different options absolutely imperative.

 When playing oppositions in CAF tournaments and World Cup qualifying, Ghana often see a lot of the ball. Consequently, they are allowed to play a possession-orientated game and are required to break down compact, low-blocks in attack.

 In World Cup games, however, the team often needs to play a more counter-attacking style. These two styles do not necessarily suit the same player types. By having more knowledge about more players, tailored squad selection is easier.

 The required information gathering process can receive significant assistance by utilising statistics and data.

In Part 2 of the African Sports Centre’s Ghana Report, we will use data to analyse the outfield players in Ghana’s national pool, highlighting the most striking players and characteristics. In doing so, we hope to identify players’ strengths and weaknesses. 

If you missed Part 1 of our Ghana Report, which used data and technology to analyse Ghana’s performances under Kwasi Appiah, it can be found here.

Methodology

Using Wyscout’s player database, we identified 258 Ghana eligible outfield players and analysed their raw data from competitive matches in the past year (ending February 9th 2020). We used the data in two ways: We analysed the pure raw data and then combined various raw statistics to create compound measures that we refer to as “attributes”.

These attributes enabled us to capture more raw data points on each player while being able to produce clear radar diagrams identifying player style, strengths and weaknesses. By using these methods, we were able to better understand the profile of each player in the national pool. On radars where an “average” player appears, this is the average of the attributes of players at the relevant position in the national pool.

 It is worth noting that we have not adjusted for league strength. To do so without substantial contextual information and research would risk creating major issues with the data set.

 Therefore, it is important to stress that (as with all sports data), the conclusions reached are not definitive. Players whose numbers look outstanding compared to average but who play in a lower quality league may not be capable of delivering those performances at an international level. However, such players may be worth exploration and further research. This is the exact point of using this data. It is not to enable you to pick a squad. It is to guide and assist the understanding of the national pool.

 Additionally, players who ply their trade outside our data coverage are not considered in the piece; it is for this reason that Ghana-based players do not feature in this report.

Full-backs

At right-back, the current incumbent is Andy Yiadom. With Daniel Amartey’s injury issues, Yiadom has proved his quality. When the two are compared, their differences are stark.

As you would expect from a former centre-back and defensive midfielder, Amartey impresses defensively, aerially and with his progressive passing. However, Yiadom looks to be a more effective option going forwards. His chance creation, crossing ability and dribbling attributes are superior to those of Amartey.  

We are therefore given a picture of two different right-backs. Amartey is perhaps more of an inverted full-back. Popularised by Pep Guardiola, these players operate as an additional central player, contributing in possession & overloading the midfield to enable control of the ball and to protect against counter-attacks. Yiadom meanwhile, is more of an attacking full-back, one who bombs on and provides width in attack.

Outside of Amartey and Yiadom, the options are cloudier. Our numbers nevertheless highlighted Enock Kwateng of Bordeaux, Eric Boakye of NK Olimpija and Robin Polley of Dordrecht as being worthy of further investigation.

Kwateng is France-born to Ghanaian parents. He is defensively stout and good in the air, with the best aerial win percentage out of qualifying Ligue 1 full-backs. Additionally, he is a capable progressive passer and crosser. The numbers suggest Kwateng is a multi-faceted full-back capable of contributing in different ways based on the opponent. At just 22, he has plenty of opportunity to develop further.

Boakye is another intriguing option, and is only twenty years old. He shows up impressively defensively compared to Yiadom, owning the best defensive duel win rate in the Slovenian First Division amongst qualifying full-backs. Furthermore, he is also a versatile attacking threat, offering penetration as a passer and runner as well as crossing ability. This contributes to his chance creation abilities. Whilst there are level of competition questions, his impressive attributes warrant serious investigation.

Polley meanwhile is a hub of activity, particularly in attack. Amongst qualifying FBs in the Dutch second division, he leads the league in dribbles per 90, crosses per 90 and passes to the penalty area per 90. Polley is also fourth in the league in possession adjusted interceptions and fifth in progressive runs per 90. With output like that, he will hope to return to his parent club ADO den Haag and make a push for the first team.

Harrison Afful is an additional right-back option. He remains a quality full-back who is capable defensively whilst being an effective creator of chances through his crossing ability and progressive passing.

At left-back, Gideon Mensah is now the standout candidate. Currently on loan at Zulte Waregem in Belgium, the 21-year-old is impressive in every attribute considered for full-backs.

Whilst his defensive and aerial contributions are effective, it is in attack where Mensah shines brightest. His progressive passing, dribbling, crossing and chance creation are all outstanding amongst his national pool peers and they are impressive in Belgium as well.

Meanwhile, Baba Rahman and Lumor Agbenyenu find themselves in a difficult situation, competing against each other at Mallorca. Lumor has seen much more game time this season, with Baba often absent.

When compared, they are clearly different players. Baba outperforms Lumor in defensive duel win rate, in interceptions and in cross accuracy. Lumor meanwhile is better aerially, a far more willing & effective dribbler and offers a more probing passing presence in the final third.

Kwadwo Asamoah meanwhile has suggested that he would not be open to playing as a left-back for Ghana. However, he could be an option in midfield or as a lateral in a five-man defence/midfield similarly to where he plays in Italy. Asamoah remains a highly impressive dribbler and ball progressor, suggesting a role could certainly open up for him in a midfield trio.

Centre-backs

Mohammed Salisu is, understandably, the great hope for Ghana fans. Still only 20 years old, Salisu has burst onto the scene this season, earning a starting berth for Real Valladolid in La Liga. Amongst his fellow La Liga centre backs, Salisu stands out both in defensive duel success and aerial duel success. This is extremely impressive, given the high standard of La Liga.

This translates to how he compares to his national pool peers. When compared to Kasim Adams, Ghana’s best centre-back at the 2019 AFCON, Salisu is superior defensively and noticeably superior in the air.

We can also see Kasim Adams’ abilities. His skill with the ball at this feet is clear. Most usefully, Adams shows up very well in his progressive passing and ball carrying abilities. This makes him an attractive partner to Salisu, as someone who can progress the ball from deep areas to initiate attacks. Salisu offers the aerial presence and they are both defensively impressive. Furthermore, they are a left foot-right foot combination, which can be beneficial. Salisu can also improve on the ball.

Another option is Joseph Aidoo. Aidoo has also been impressive during his first season in La Liga, having joined Celta Vigo after AFCON. He stands out due to his defensive duel success rate in the scatter plot above. Furthermore, his high success percentage is not due to a lack of attackers coming his way.

When we look at Aidoo’s radar in comparison with Adams (who he may well be competing with to start alongside Salisu), we can see the differences between the two players.

An Aidoo-Salisu pairing may be marginally better defensively and in the air (perhaps suited to games where Ghana expect to be more defensive), whilst an Adams-Salisu pairing could offer more balance, combining defensive stoutness with more incision and ambition in possession.

Ghana has several other centre-back options. John Boye’s radar shows his strengths compared to the average Ghanaian centre-back. Whilst he is superior defensively and in the air, Boye’s ability on the ball leaves a lot to be desired.

Jonathan Mensah continues to provide a useful squad option. Whilst his level of competition is not as high in the MLS as any of the aforementioned players, he performs above average in all attributes, particularly aerially and defensively.

Nicholas Opoku is another younger option whom Kwasi Appiah introduced to the team. Opoku is a talented player, but one who needs to get consistent minutes to truly show what he’s capable of. Denied that in Italy at Udinese, he is now getting a run of games at Amiens.

In terms of newer faces, Emmanuel Ntim, Musah Nuhu and Derrick Luckassen are worth looking out for.

Nuhu made the pre-AFCON squad, before suffering a knee injury from which he is yet to recover. The 23-year-old is in the 95th defensive percentile, 89th aerial percentile and combines these with a promising ability as a progressive passer. When he returns to health, if he can return to his pre-injury performances, he will certainly be worth investigating.

Ntim has impressed in the French Ligue 2 this season. Comfortably above average in all attributes, Ntim’s most notable strengths are his defensive duel win rate and his progressive passing.

The Dutch-born, Luckassen has been impressing at Anderlecht this season. He is a ball-playing centre-back who offers real defensive ability and could push Adams & Aidoo if selected.

Centre-midfielders

Thomas Partey is Ghana’s star player. The Atlético Madrid man is one of the best midfielders in the world and compared to his fellow Ghanaian midfielders, is well above average in every area.

Even when compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, Partey stands out for his defensive, aerial, dribbling and passing ability. He is a tremendous all-round player that the Black Stars team should be built around.

As such, the onus will be on surrounding Partey with skillsets that help him play to his strengths. His progressive passing is little use without options positioning themselves effectively ahead of him or if the ball is being launched over his head. Equally, his dribbling and goal threat are little use if there is no one covering his forward thrusts.

Mubarak Wakaso was given the opportunity to be Partey’s partner in midfield during the AFCON. The attraction of Wakaso is clear.

A relentless runner, Wakaso is defensively gifted as well as being a capable progressor of the ball as both a dribbler and passer. However, his overall passing numbers are very poor due to his propensity to favour speculative long balls in attack. Can he be trusted to be a more restrained passer and player overall?

Iddrisu Baba could be well suited to that more restrained role. Baba made his debut in Appiah’s last window as manager after impressive in La Liga. Whilst Wakaso appears a better defender, this is primarily because of his incredibly high tackle numbers. Baba meanwhile makes more interceptions. He is also better in the air, a useful attribute for a defensive midfielder, and a more efficient passer.

Another option could be Gent’s Elisha Owusu. Owusu shows up well defensively and as an efficient passer, he has an 89.49% pass completion percentage. Furthermore, he has the ability to progress the ball as a dribbler. However, he is aerially lacking.

Mubarak Wakaso’s brother, Alhassan Wakaso, could also be well-suited to partnering Partey in midfield. He is very comparable defensively to Owusu & Baba, whilst the Wakaso family love for a tackle shows up again. The junior Wakaso brother is also aerially comparable to Baba whilst offering an extremely efficient passing style – completing 90.5% of his passes. He is not however, a dribbler.

Greuther Furth man Hans Nunoo Sarpei is a further defensive midfielder worth keeping an eye on.

Should Akonnor, as seems likely, seek to play a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, there could also be room for another midfielder. Alfred Duncan could be given the opportunity to return to central midfield after Appiah experimented with him on the left against South Africa. Duncan has been an effective creator in Serie A this season, whilst also adding goal threat, dribbling ability and solid passing efficiency given his creative intentions.

 Afriyie Acquah has been performing well in Turkey. He is another capable ball progressor, with his best attributes being his progressive ball carrying and his progressive passing. Given the progressive nature of his passing, Acquah’s 84.45% pass completion rate is impressive.

As previously mentioned, Kwadwo Asamoah, could also be an option in midfield, providing ball progression as both a dribbler and passer as well as defensive nous.

Akonnor also has a quartet of impressive, more attacking midfielders at his disposal. Bernard Mensah has been performing impressively in Turkey. He too is an extremely gifted dribbler & highly efficient passer, while offering a goal threat.

Majeed Ashimeru has been playing at a lower level, but has also looked good. His contribution in getting his team into the final third, added to his goal threat and creativity, make him another welcome, all-action midfield option.

Latif Blessing has been a revelation since moving back into central midfield for LAFC in the MLS. Blessing is extremely active defensively whilst also providing both a scoring and creative threat along with his progressive passing.

Mohammed Kudus carries the torch for the next generation of young Ghanaian attackers. Capable of playing as a number 8, number 10 or a striker, Kudus has superb technical and tactical qualities for someone just 19 years old. A supremely gifted dribbler, Kudus also offers goal threat, creativity in the final third, progressive passing and is a willing defender. His statistical similarities to Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino when both play as false 9s are remarkable.

                      

Kelvin Ofori is another young player who is worth keeping tabs on. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, inside forward or striker, he could contribute to the Black Stars in the near future with his dribbling & goal threat.

Wingers

Ghana are blessed with a staggering volume of wingers, offering a vast range of skillsets. Nevertheless, due to level of competition questions or a lack of game time, there is a considerable lack of clarity as to who may be the most attractive options to Akonnor.

There are three fairly clear categories of winger in the Ghana national pool – the goal scorers, the goal creators, and those that do both. Of late, selection has generally been afforded to the former two categories – wingers that offer both have been selected far less. The reasons for this may become apparent shortly.

As captain, Andre Ayew is certain to be selected. Whether playing on the left, on the right, or even as a second striker, Ayew’s primary strengths now are his goal threat and aerial ability. Furthermore, he shows good positional intelligence to come inside off his wing to collect the ball and offer ball progression higher up the field.

Christian Atsu meanwhile is much more of a creative threat. Whilst his goal threat has likely been suppressed in the Premier League playing for Newcastle, his best attributes have always been his dribbling and chance creation, whilst his crossing is slightly above average amongst Ghanaian wingers.

Christopher Antwi-Adjei is more of a scorer and creator. Playing for struggling Paderborn in the Bundesliga has not prevented Antwi-Adjei from looking like one of Ghana’s more talented, all-round wingers in our statistics. A particular area of his strength is his dribbling; he has the fourth most progressive runs per 90 of any winger outside the top six clubs in the Bundesliga.

Jeffrey Schlupp is a unique winger for Ghana. His best attributes are his defensive ability, aerial prowess and progressive passing. This makes him an interesting option for matches where Ghana may consider themselves likely to be on the back foot.

Bernard Tekpetey has had a frustrating season. Severely limited for game time, Tekpetey is another who stands out primarily for his outstanding dribbling ability but he also offers a goal threat and crossing ability, making him a useful offensive option.

Tekpetey’s teammate, Nana Opoku Ampomah, has been similarly limited for game time. Ampomah is also a talented dribbler, but also combines goal threat and chance creation, although he does not have the expected assist numbers to appear with the goal creators and scorers on the above graphs.

After a frustrating spell at Porto, Majeed Waris is back in the French Ligue 1. The 28-year-old is perhaps more of a wide forward than a true winger and his primary contribution is in the final third as both a goal threat and creator. With consistent game time, Waris is someone who could play himself back into Black Stars contention after missing out on the final AFCON squad last summer.

Frank Acheampong is another wide forward. His output in China has been outstanding, as he offers goal scoring, creativity, dangerous dribbling and crossing. But for his league of choice, Acheampong would likely be a certain selection for the Black Stars. At this stage, his output is difficult to ignore.

Samuel Owusu is another who offers effective all-round ability. Like many of his peers, Owusu is a gifted dribbler, but is also an effective crosser while proving some passing creativity and goal threat. Owusu needs to improve his shot locations however. Whilst a reasonably high volume shooter, his shot locations leave a lot to be desired. The “V” in front of the goal is ignored in favour of tight angle or long distance shots.

Patrick Twumasi is an alternative wide forward type player. Twumasi is primarily a goal threat and is also capable of playing as a striker. After a frustrating season in Spain, he is finding his feet in Turkey and making a positive impact in the final third.

Osman Bukari is a younger option. Starring in the Slovakian First Division, Bukari is one of the league’s best dribblers, he has the highest volume of dribbles per 90, is a significant goal contributor and is an active in ball progression. He has also improved his shot location substantially, contributing to his significant uptick in goalscoring output. He could be another young player to begin integrating into the senior setup.

Isaac Atanga is another young option who could be of interest to Akonnor. His output has been impressive in Denmark, but he likely needs to expand on his all round game and processes before he is a viable option for the national team.

Genk’s Joseph Paintsil and Mainz loanee Issah Abass have also shown glimpses of their potential. Paintsil is a good dribbler, creator & progressive passer whilst Abass is a wide forward type.

Forwards

Jordan Ayew is the standout striking option as Asamoah Gyan heads towards retirement. Plying his trade in the Premier League, Ayew is above average in every area of striking play, with his dribbling particularly impressive. He is also an intelligent presser, leading the defensive efforts from the threat whilst he is capable of dropping off the front line to progress the ball. A modern, all-round centre forward.

Emmanuel Boateng is more of a throwback player. Possessed with real pace, Boateng was used by Kwasi Appiah to lead the line and to stretch play vertically by making runs in behind. Playing in China, Boateng parlays his on-the-last-man style into a significant goal threat whilst his explosiveness also translates to dangerous aerial ability.

Caleb Ekuban is a different type of striker. Offering less of a goal threat than Boateng, Ekuban is instead more of a deep lying forward. Similarly to Ayew, Ekuban is a gifted dribbler and he progresses the ball as both a dribbler and a passer. Nonetheless, he does provide a good goal threat.

Mohammed Kudus and Andre Ayew are also both options to play as strikers. Both can play as second strikers or false 9s, but given the question marks at the winger positions, the latter is probably unlikely.

Joel Fameyeh could also play his way into Ghana contention. Now playing in Russia, Fameyeh profiles as a tremendous all-round striking option. A superb goal threat, Fameyeh is also a gifted dribbler, good in the air and creative. He has also played as a winger and is a talented crosser. His goal threat stems from his excellent positional sense; he finds pockets of space in dangerous areas and is quick to get his shots away.

Richmond Boakye-Yiadom is an alternative veteran striking option. He is, like Boateng, primarily a goal threat. This could be part of the reason why he has regularly found himself on the outside looking in for Ghana squad selection.

Additionally, Anderlecht loanee Dauda Mohammed is a gifted youngster, who is above average in the national pool as a goal threat, aerially and as a dribbler. He is worth keeping an eye on.

Owing to Raphael Dwamena’s current health situation, he is unlikely to be a Black Stars option in the near future. A talented striker, who creates & scores chances as well as possessing real physical presence, we wish Raphael all the best in his recovery.

Takeaways

It should be clear that Akonnor has plenty of viable options to choose from. The 50 players highlighted above are not an exhaustive list, but are a group of players who have either been selected recently or who stood out particularly well in our numbers. They are all different, some more subtly than others, and present a range of useful skillsets that Ghana’s new coach can draw from to hopefully create a cohesive unit.

The nature that unit takes on will depend somewhat on Akonnor’s formation of choice. At Asante Kotoko, he favoured a 4-2-3-1 with a front four that played a key part in the team’s goal scoring. He has the options to take that approach. A 4-3-3 could also be used.

Nevertheless, given the quality the team has at centre-back, and the strength in depth in both centre-midfield and up front, it may be that a 3-5-2 formation could serve the team well. It would enable Akonnor to play three centre-backs, three centre-midfielders and two strikers. Furthermore, it may remove some of the question marks the team has at the winger position.

Whatever Akonnor decides, it will be intriguing to see which players he selects and the roles he asks them to fulfil.