Full-backs have grown to occupy an important role in modern day football and especially so in a tactically changing Ghanaian Premier League. Gone are those days when they were used to guard the fort and the forward players used to attack and score goals.
The game has changed a lot more from before and now it has become adventurous. Full- backs now not only protect their goal but they even help their midfield and forward players to score goals.
The right-back is fast becoming an extremely important position in football; however, not every player can carry out the role to perfection. He needs to be fast, skilful and full of running. He has to defend, attack and even score and set up goals for his team. The position has had its fair share of legends, from Cafu, Thuram, Salgado, Zambrotta, Zanetti, Alves, Lahm et al.
Below is a list of the five exciting right-backs in the Ghanaian Premier League, who have churned out solid performances game after game, virtually cordoning off their side of the park.
Augustine Agyapong- Asante Kotoko SC
The Kotoko right-back has improved by leaps and bounds and has all the ingredients that make a great right-back. But what makes him such an enticing prospect is that he already is one of the best right-backs in the country now. He is fast and strong, a combination that makes him a daunting prospect for opposition.
He likes tackling and is pretty good at it too. He is also excellent and is a handy player to have in the defence when the team has the back against the wall. He isn’t flashy but his performances over an extended level have been top drawer. Yet, he has never really attracted a great deal of fanfare or plaudits he so deserves.
Augustine Randolf- Karela United FC
A star player among an otherwise average Karela team, Randolf has shone for his side in previous campaigns. As proficient in attack as he is in defence, the dreadlocked defender is a model example of the relatively right -wing-back position.
The Black Galaxies man has earned plaudits for his speed, technical qualities and ability to make a tackle. In other words, he’s all you could ever want in a right-back. He is very good in dribbling, tackling, blocking and interception. He is very much versatile and can be assigned on the left side of defence and even as a defensive midfielder.
He is well known for playing layoffs, creating chances by playing long balls and placing cross the flanks.
Baba Kushibo- RTU
Kushibo is a fast and skilful player, who likes dribbling and needs no invitation to run at opposition defences.
Kushibo’s crossing is among the best in the league and is also blessed with the ability to spot a pass. A good runner, who loves to get forward, he is not found wanting defensively. It is hard enough to pronounce his name, let alone dribble past him.
His lightening pace makes him a nightmare to live with on the overlap for opposition full-backs as well as a get-out of jail free card when found wanting at the back. He has been formidable for the Tamale club since their return to the elite division.
Ibrahim Issa- Accra Lions
He is young, talented and has lots of potential in him. He is one of those players in the wish-list of many managers. There are hushed talks about several European clubs circling around him.
That should tell you how immense a talent he is! Blessed with lightening pace, impressive strength and a booming tackle, Issa is gradually carving a niche for himself in the league There are few who can get the better of Ibrahim Issa, who has been one of the league’s most consistent performers.
Not only is Issa known for his defensive qualities, but he’s also a reliable presence on the ball, very rarely conceding possession.
By: Godfred Budu
