Former Ghana midfielder Charles Taylor believes Daniel Afriyie Barnieh is far ahead of Felix Afena-Gyan and for that matter, deserves a starting role at the Black Stars.
The Hearts of Oak and Cremonese attackers made the Black Stars for friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua last month but it was the former Roma striker who had much playing time.
Afena-Gyan started against Brazil before he was subbed off in the second half for Inaki Williams.
But Barnieh, who has been instrumental for Hearts of Oak in recent time made a cameo appearance in the Black Stars narrow win over Nicaragua. He was introduced in the 93rd minute which has created a heated argument in the country.
According to Taylor, the perception that local players are not matured in null and void, saying Barnieh deserve to start ahead of Afena-Gyan considering their qualities.
“The saying that local players are not matured are false, if Afena Gyan can start for Black Stars, then Afriyie deserve it more than him. It would have been appropriate to drop Barnieh from the Black Stars for the friendlies if he was not going to get playing time. He could have helped Hearts of Oak in the league especially when they played Kotoko” he said on Angel TV.
Meanwhile, the duo will hope to make the Black Stars squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.