These five young players are the future of the Black Stars

The Black Stars are still held in high esteem till date, not only because of past glory, but also because of some great players who have donned the Ghana colours.

Sometime back, Ghana had the likes of CK Gyamfi and Osei Kofi. Then the mantle was handed to the Abedi Peles and Tony Yeboahs. Now, the stars of the team are Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.

However, just like the aforementioned legends steadily phased out, so will the current crop follow suit in sometime to come.

But who are the players likely to fill in their boots when our current stars are no more?

Pulse Sports takes a look at five young Ghanaian players to look out for in the future.

Gideon Mensah

The 18-year-old defender plays in the Austrian second-tier with Liefering. However, his impressive displays led to his parent club Red Bull Salzburg adding him to their team for the UEFA Youth League.

Mensah has been in imperious form at club level, and played a crucial role as Red Bull Salzburg defeated Benfica 2-1 to be crowned UEFA Youth League champions.

The WAFA academy graduate has a sweet left-foot, and can play at both left-back and on the wings. The 18-year-old is certainly one for the future, and an opportunity with the Black Stars could soon be knocking on his doors if he continues this way.

Raphael Dwamena

The bulky striker is undoubtedly Ghana’s most in-form striker at the moment. Having scored 18 goals in 22 games for Austria Lustenau last season, Dwamena has continued his impressive run in front of goal at new club FC Zurich.

The 21-year old has five goals in 10 matches this season in the Swiss league. The striker was unlucky not to have made it into Ghana’s squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, but he is certainly one for the future.

And with Ghana struggling to get a competent understudy for Asamoah Gyan, Dwamena could just be the man to take over. Such a goal-machine will definitely improve the Black Stars.

Latif Blessing

Perhaps the most popular name among the lot, Latif Blessing’s talent is known by all. And despite the Sporting Kansas City man yet to make a senior appearance for the Black Stars, he is definitely one to look forward to in the near future.

Blessing has done it all in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) where he was crowned the division’s best player, as well as winning the top-scorer accolade. The former Liberty Professionals attacker has quick feet, and is skilled in getting past opposition defenses.

At just 21, Blessing is already demonstrating his enormous talents, and as another player who was unfortunate to have been snubbed by Avram Grant when naming his Black Stars squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, a first cap could be on the cards soon. Blessing scored 18 goals last season.

Lawrence Ati Zigi

Currently one of Ghana’s most prospective goalkeepers in Europe, Lawrence Ati Zigi cannot be ignored when the issue of future Black Stars players is being discussed. The 20-year-old starred for Ghana at the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Ati Zigi was initially farmed out on loan to Liefering, but his impressive performances in goal led to his recall into the first team of Red Bull Salzburg. The young goalkeeper, despite struggling to get playing time, has made strides in his development.

Ghana’s goalkeeping department has been problematic in recent times, and Ati Zigi could just be occupying that spot soon.

Gideon Waja

The WAFA midfielder has been consistent over the last two seasons, displaying impressive performances for the Sogakpoe-based side. The 20-year-old was nominated for player of the year last season, and he has carried his form into this season.

Gideon Waja is a good passer of the ball, and links up play very well. Perhaps, he stands as one of the most hard-working midfielders in the division.

And if his performances so far are anything to go by, then a future with the Black Stars looks imminent.