The Ghanaian Premier League has borne witness of plethora of stars who have lit up stadiums and parks across the country since the days of yore. Some have walked away with a haul of medals and awards, whilst others may not have been as successful, yet their individual ability is what set them apart from the rest.
The current league season is no different. But for every superstar and club in the league, there are always players who fail to hog the headlines despite being an invaluable member of their side.
All in all, these players deserve to be recognised for their talent, perseverance and sheer ability to go doing their job with the same motivation despite not having being rated aptly for their talent.
Let us take a look at XI players who despite their splendid displays have missed the lens of the media.
GK- Prince Osei (Aduana Stars)
The Aduana Stars goalkeeper takes the spotlight here. Widely regarded as one of the league’s top performers in his position, he is steadily establishing himself as a penalty-saving specialist. His recent heroics exemplify this emerging reputation.
In the FA Cup clash against Asante Kotoko, he saved three penalties during a shootout, propelling the ‘Ogya Boys’ into the quarterfinals. Shortly after, in a league encounter with Medeama, he produced a crucial last-minute penalty save to secure a vital away point for his team.
Needing to urgently fill a goalkeeping void, Cioba Aristica took a chance on Osei and asked him to don the gloves for the team. Thrusting an inexperience goalkeeper in goal, regardless of the situation, is always a risk that could go south very quickly, but despite the uncertainty, this was a gamble with a life-changing payoff with Osei exceeding expectations.
In 18 games, he has conceded nine goals and has kept 10 clean sheets. Most of his teammates are getting the praise they deserve this season, but few are talking about how big an impact Osei has had on the side.
RB- Emmanuel Sanja (Vision FC)
Given the often-haphazard nature of Ghana’s elite league, some were pessimistic about Sanja’s chances of immediate success with Vision FC, however he has shone for the Madina club. Sanja is brilliant with the ball at his feet and loves to bomb up from right-back, either down the flank or even into the middle at times. He forces turnovers high up the field before inching forwards into the opponent half.
He likes to combine with his left-winger, progressing down the line with 1-2s and transitions, rather than looking to beat players with pace or skills. Perhaps, his biggest strength is his game intelligence. Incredibly mature and composed as a leader, he has a good communication skill which ensures that defensive lapses do not occur.
It will be a travesty beyond compare if Emmanuel Sanja does not have the world talking about him in the next few years.
CB- Ali Mohammed (Hearts of Oak)
Ali Mohammed does, of course, get recognition for his performances; it is nowhere near what he deserves. Although aggressive, he has a patient side as well and does not rush in and tackle unnecessarily. He gives a solid presence at the back and can dominate the box. He can also work his way forward and start attacks from the back.
Additionally, he is not flustered under pressure and clears his lines when necessary. Perhaps more importantly, he is a leader, the kind of player others look up to and improve upon their game to impress.
With him in the side, the Phobian faithful know that the other teammates will perform because he wouldn’t have it otherwise.
CB- Ridwan Ali (Vision FC)
The intelligent defender is physically brave almost to the point of foolishness, crunching in the tackle, a fine passer with both feet, brilliant positionally, the on-pitch symbol of Nana Kweku Agyemang’s team.
His quickness over short areas is impressive, and while he can be aggressive at times, he is never out of control of his own actions. His defensive prowess and desire to win is undeniable.
Starting off as a full-back and then an auxiliary midfielder, Ali overcame some early criticism and has risen to become one of the best centre-backs in the domestic league. For all his reputation as one of the toughest players in the division, however, it is crucial that his footballing ability and versatility aren’t played down.
LB- Ali Alhassan (Karela United)
Solid in the tackle, quite good aerially considering his stature and always a willing option on the outside, Alhassan offers much in an attacking sense. His mixture of pace and dribbling prowess somewhat underrated, the left-back remains important to the Nurudeen Amadu led team.
His ability to whip over crosses with both direction and pace is unmatched within this group, while he also is a constant threat down the flank and is reliable in possession.
CDM- Seidu Saana (Aduana Stars)
Game after game ‘Mr. Reliable’ never lets his manager down. He operates in an environment where his ball work is combined with grit.
He is strong, quick, good in the air and is adept to using his body to shield the ball away from danger and his speed ensures he can make powerful recovery tackles when required.
His role in the centre of midfield has been a pivotal element, where he has a much greater effect on proceedings.
CM- Fuzy Taylor- (Medeama)
Fuzy Taylor is a textbook example of an underrated star, as he is a versatile force who is adept in both attack and defence, and a keystone in Ibrahim Tanko’s dazzling Medeama squad.
Whilst the Tarkwa lads crush the opposition with their free flowing fleet, Taylor gives them the licence to do so, thriving in a deep-lying role which requires not defensive discipline, but exceptional game management.
CM- Ishmael Addo (Heart of Lions)
As silky and talented as they talented as they come, the diminutive midfielder makes football look easy such as his vision and quality on the ball.
Yet, the Heart of Lions playmaker does not earn the public admiration of the Ghanaian football community that he deserves. It is perhaps due to his perceived lack of direct impact on the scoresheet- but all you have to do is look at his performances for his club and be convinced of his prowess.
He is a class act but certainly one of the most underrated players in Ghana’s elite league.
RW- Emmanuel Annor (Basake Holy Stars)
His direct running and exquisite footwork causes many a defender trouble. There was never a question the tricky forward would thrive this season. He appears unstoppable at the moment.
He has scored vital goals for Nations FC and proved himself to be one of the most versatile and potent attackers in the league with seven goals. His selfish nature bucks the trend of those leading the line, as he is neither a traditional or false nine.
His work ethic is something to behold. Aside his goals, is link-up play and running pattern allow his teammates to thrive.
ST- Michael Ephson (Heart of Lions)
What the former Samartex SC forward brings to the Heart of Lions team is much more than just goal scoring prowess.
He is the final piece in the puzzle; knitting attacks together and pulling defenders all over the place. Ephson’s work-rate and ability on the ball have never been in question but add to those five goals this season, and you are dealing with one of the best in the business.
His ability in front of goal is nothing to scoff at, nor is it solely down to the superb service from teammates.
LW- Prince Tweneboah (Basake Holy Stars)
It is hard to imagine how Basake Holy Stars would fare without Prince Tweneboah and it is fair to say they would struggle to replace him. The forward, who has an outstanding work-rate, sublime technical skills and a terrific range of passing, has been the reason why the Basake Holy Stars side cannot be underrated.
Yes, he may not be a ‘star name’ but he has proven to be a valuable squad member. The forward is a crucial layer at ball retention and transitions for his club and Holy Stars are a much better side (how is that possible?!) when he is in the team.
