Ghana U17 head coach, Frimpong Manso has shared insights into an emerging phenomenon he has seen among young Ghanaian footballers and how global football icons are influencing the thinking and decision-making process of the next generation.
Speaking during a media interaction on the development of youth talent in Ghana, Manso emphasized a marked transition in player preference, particularly among teenagers passing through the system.
“At first, if you ask 8 out of 10 Ghanaian players, they will tell you they are midfielders,” Manso said. “But now it is shifting to wingers. They all say, ‘I am a winger.”
According to the Bibiani Gold Stars coach — who is also a former Black Stars defender — this trend is being heavily influenced by international stars who have redefined the winger role with flair, goals, and stardom.
A typical example being Lionel Messi — often playing from wide positions — is one such figure who continues to inspire aspiring players.
“I am a winger because of Messi and others,” he continued. “It is influencing certain people, mostly youngsters.”
But while Manso applauds the passion, drive and determination, he also expressed concern about the profound understanding required to truly excel in such specialized positions.
“In that position, you need certain qualities to say that you are a winger. That is where the problem is now,” he noted. “With strikers, it has decreased very much.”
By: Pascal Amoah
