A new midfield star is on our hands, Kings and Queens—Ghanaians should be happy. I met him when he visited Angel TV for the sports salad show.
After a brief conversation with the host of the show, Kofi Jerry, I noticed right away a determined footballer who has gone through the mill and is ready for everything, including seizing a position in the Black Stars. I was forced to let him know that “Player, don’t sleep on your laurels because a call-up might be nearer than you think,” I said, and he smiled.
Three months on, and Black Stars head coach Otto Addo released his squad for the crucial double header against Chad and Mali. Conspicuously missing was Real Oviedo’s midfield maestro Kwasi Sibo.
Many Ghanaians raised concerns about his exclusion, which forced the communications director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum, to explain that Sibo has been monitored, and his call-up is very close.
Ghana didn't get the deserved results against Chad, and an injury to Atalanta’s Ibrahim Sulemana, the suspension of Elisha Owusu, and the underwhelming performance of Abdul Salis Samed necessitated the call of Sibo by the head coach.
Many Ghanaians demanded that he start against Mali. I also had a similar take, though I was a bit sceptical, not because I thought he was not good enough but because I felt the pressure might overwhelm him. I quickly remember the neighbourhood he is from in Ghana… haha.
The line-up came, and our man was in it; it was time for me to switch from being a fan to a critical analyst with football knowledge. I monitored his movement, his touches, his awareness, and his reading of the game.
I think Kwasi Sibo is who he thinks he is, that is, a combative midfielder who is not afraid to throw in tackles, cover ground, fight for both ground and aerial duels, and is not afraid to initiate build-ups.
This is my observation of Kwasi Sibo’s performance against Mali yesterday
Very active, intelligent, and tiring central defensive midfielder (CDM) who covered ground well
He is aerially solid and mobile; he brought more defensive solidity and can be compared to the early performances of Baba Iddrisu in the Black Stars.
Things I didn't like
I noticed Sibo is limited in possession; on the ball, he likes to play outside the opponents' block or with enough space to have time in front of their midfield. He is ok receiving the ball facing his own goal and quickly moving the ball on but clearly struggles under pressure.
I expect him to improve on his ball retention and improve on progressing the ball. Generally, scanning is his major issue; he doesn't scan before receiving the ball, which makes him vulnerable.
As a player who plays in Spain and one of the most talented central midfielders, Santi Cazorla, scanning should not be an issue, and I expect him to get the basics right.
The 27-year-old now has a hefty task to maintain the standard he's set for himself, which is why I pray that he improves every day.
Story by: Listowel Mensah
