Soccer News of Friday, 5 October 2012

Source: Prince Dornu-Leiku / 90 MINUTES

Invite Kevin to Black Stars: Nana Agyemang

Football analyst Nana Kwaku Agyemang remains adamant the Ghana Black Stars need German-born Kevin Prince Boateng in the bid to end the nation's lack of silverware spanning over three decades.

Nana Agyemang insists that the AC Milan star remains Ghana's best option in the striker's support role, lauding his aggressive, confident and self-belief attributes.

Agyemang who is also keen on Michael Essien to return for the Black Stars in the midfield holding role, believes the Black Stars will become the be-it all should Boateng also return to complement the Real Madrid midfielder’s efforts upfront.

"In his nine international appearances for Ghana, Boateng proved himself to be the missing offensive midfield link required to revitalize the one man attacking machinery that Ghana depended on to achieve results," Nana Agyemang explained.

He continued: "An intelligent, versatile midfielder with the ability to adapt to any position and role across the midfield, Boateng provided the team with genuine youthful exuberance, vitality and a fearless, aggressive styled offensive play.” The UEFA licensed coach and former class one referee of English FA,continued: “Not even the likes of Kwadwo Asamoah in comparison can fulfill the role of second striker to support Asamoah Gyan in the way that Boateng can.

"Boateng is obviously not the be all and end all of the Senior National Team, no player is and can ever be, but if he is considering a return; which won't be as simple as him saying it and walking straight back into the team; why should he be refused that opportunity when it can be of real benefit to Ghana?

"Are we prepared to cut off our nose just to spite our face? Should we continue in our vain and futile attempts to win intercontinental silverware on a wing and a prayer at every level? I sincerely hope not!"

The fearlessly outspoken Nana Agyemang added: “Fact is we do not have the versatility, abilities and offensive forthrightness that Boateng offers within any individual or even collectively as a team and with the way things are going we are not likely to for some time.â

"Defensively and offensively the midfield remains fragile and without vitality. The defensive qualities of Anthony Annan and Derek Boateng in today’s modern game are a liability. Only the inclusion of Michael Essien can really fill that vacuum and combine effectively and efficiently with Boateng,” he argued.