Although not many Ghanaian players ply their trades in Europe’s top leagues these days, there are still a couple who are making huge impacts.
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Kwadwo Asamoah and other Black Stars players who have failed to replicate club performance for country
Many Ghanaians may have by now gotten over the Black Stars’ failure at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. But now the attention has been turned to club football.
Kwadwo Asamoah delighted after first game of the season
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When Ghana exited the AFCON at the round of 16 stage, many criticised the players for once again failing to produce the goods for the national team.
However, a critical assessment of these players shows that they perform better with their respective clubs than they to do when they are with the Black Stars.
Bar Jordan Ayew, who has scored in his last two games for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, the rest have failed to replicate their club side exploits at national team level.
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Kwadwo Asamoah readily comes to mind. The utility man has been playing consistently at Inter Milan but cannot replicate his form when on national duty.
During the AFCON, Asamoah complained when he was played on the left side of midfield, but he often thrives in a similar role at Inter Milan.
Caleb Ekuban, who missed the crucial penalty that sealed Ghana’s exit at the AFCON, has since scored five goals in seven appearances for Trabzonspor in the Turkish topflight, while Andre Ayew is rediscovering his best form at Swansea City.
The Black Stars captain has been off colour in recent years, but has been involved in five goals since returning to the Liberty stadium. Ayew has scored two goals and provided three assists this season.
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Then there is Thomas Partey: a star at Atletico Madrid but he was also a pale shadow of himself during the AFCON in Egypt.
So, the question remains: why do Black Stars players perform at club level but fail to replicate their form when invited to the Black Stars?
It’s a difficult question to answer, but the logical answer should center on tactics. It may be that these players are given different roles at national team level and at their club sides.
It may also be, as many have suggested, that the players lack commitment when playing for the national team.
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It is easy to conclude when one does not know what really goes on behind the scenes, but the certainty is that, Ghana must get its stars playing well if the country is to end its trophy drought.
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