The Black Stars of Ghana were once a force to reckon with as far as football is concerned globally. The mere thought of playing the Black Stars alone sent shivers down the spine of their opponents. Three consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances are enough to corroborate this assertion.
Quite paradoxically, things are beginning to change for the erstwhile ‘Giants’ of African football. The Black Stars have failed to win the coveted AFCON title since they last won in 1982.
A lot of eyebrows have been raised; new manager Chris Hughton's tactical nous and competence have been questioned; the performances of the players in recent times has become a worry to Ghanaians who are calling for the inclusion of new faces in the Black Stars set up.
The situation has been obvious for some time now but it took the nation a little while longer to catch on. Known as the ‘Brazil of African football’, the country is endowed with enormous football talents regardless of where they play; a Ghanaian talent is easily identifiable.
The ongoing Ghanaian Premier League has produced a lot of these stars who will easily fit into the Black Stars setup – just imagine my plight as I attempted to whittle down a huge shortlist to pick out one of the competition’s outstanding performers who can compete for a place in the Black Stars. Asante Kotoko SC's Richmond Lamptey is the said player.
Lamptey is arguably one of the best midfielders one can find in Ghana’s domestic football. He is a conductor. He makes his side tick and rarely gives the ball away- but doesn’t just pass sideways. The midfield metronome is capable of spraying lengthy passes, keeping the game simple, or executing the killer balls that really matter.
As silky and talented as they come, Lamptey makes football look easy such is his vision and quality on the ball. Yet, the Kotoko 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 to be convinced of his prowess. In the ongoing campaign, he has yet to score but has provided four assists to his teammates.
Capable of playing on either wing or centrally as a No.8, Hughton could make use of a player who is devastatingly good with his magical left foot. This unique ability makes him unpredictable for the opposition. When dribbling, Lamptey can comfortably manoeuvre in any direction often leaving defenders on their rear end.
But he isn’t your typical show pony, though. Every Lamptey move culminates in an incisive pass to pick out the run of a team-mate or a shot on goal. He is also blessed with the ability to play in a more advanced teammate, or find the run of an overlapping full-back. A right- or left-wing slot is probably the position that gets the most from him, but he could perform in a number of roles should the tactics require.
His movement is another highlight of his, using this to surge in behind with superbly timed runs, find space or be instrumental in creating overloads. His application on the pitch, in training, and his general enjoyment will be influenced by this, and it’s something that will endear him to neutral fans if his performances are up to scratch.
A selfless player with an incredible engine, his energetic displays and never-say-die attitude reflect the values instilled by coach Prosper Narteh Ogum at the Kumasi club. He provides much more than just work rate, with the capability of playing in a variety of roles across the midfield and the technical ability to provide a threat in the final third.
With his driving runs, slick passes and discipline, the youngster is surely ready to rub shoulders with established names in the Black Stars.
If the world were a fair and just place, then the Kotoko midfielder would have been playing for one of the big clubs in Europe. Unfortunately for him, that's just life. He'll instead have to live in solace with the fact that he's one of the best midfielders in the country...according to us.
