Ghana coach Avram Grant is expected to name his squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon next week.
The Israeli trainer who was tasked to do well at the last Africa Cup of Nations and win the 2017 edition must put up the best squad to achieve that target. One critical area he must look at is defence especially central defence.
Over the years we have become use to the Jonathan Mensah and John Boye pair in defence in the Black Stars team. But with the emergence of Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey at the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, that trend changed. It took John Boye to get back into the first eleven following an injury to Daniel Amartey.
In Ghana's last two games Daniel Amartey who is normally used as defensive midfielder at Leicester City has combined effectively with Jonathan Mensah.
But with the latest fitness issues of Jonathan Mensah and the inconsistency of John Boye- Avram Grant must look out for options. Below are some few central defenders Grant can fall on as back up in naming his squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
NURU SULLEY
Nuru Sulley plays his club football with Turkish side Alanyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. The former Hearts of Oak player was very instrumental for Alanyaspor in their qualification from the Turkish lower league to the elite league. He has been consistent for the side and his impressive showing has kept Nigeria defender Keneth Omeruo on the bench. Sulley who was a key member of Ghana team that played at the 2014 African Nations Championship in South Africa has featured in every single game for Alanyaspor in the Turkish league. His side are currently 11th on the 18-team league in Turkey.
DANIEL AMARTEY
Daniel Amartey plays his club football with Leicester City in the English Premier League. Amartey has established himself as a starter in Avram Grant's team following his impressive showing in previous games in the Ghana shirt. At Leicester City where he is deployed as a defensive midfielder since the departure of Ngolo Kante- the 21-year old has not disappointed although we all admit he could do a lot more better. Amartey if he is fit a sure banker for Avram Grant because of his confidence and ability to organise the defence.
JONATHAN MENSAH
Jonathan Mensah plays his club football with Russian side Anzhi Machackala. Mensah is counted as one of Ghana's best defenders. Since graduating from the 2009 U20 squad that won the FIFA World Cup, he has been to two World Cups and four Nations Cups with the Black Stars. With his stature and performance he has not been fairly treated well in terms of his club career. Mensah’s club football is not as glittering as that of the Black Stars. Injuries has been the bane to problems at club level. With less than a month to the AFCON- Mensah is currently in Ghana receiving treatment on an ankle problem he suffered in Ghana's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt. We need Jonathan Mensah at the Afcon but if you were Grant would you risk taking him?
JOHN BOYE
John Boye has been a regular with the Black Stars at the AFCON since 2012 and has been one of the mainstays in team. The former Heart of Lions defender has carved a niche as one of the ball playing center backs in the Ghana setup. Aside the strength and physical presence he provides, Boye has the ability to pop up in the opposing half to score a goal or two. He can be last remembered for scoring the equaliser for Ghana against South Africa in the 2015 AFCON. Boye is a regular for Sivasspor in Turkey and could prove an essential member in the three weeks tournament. He lost his place to Daniel Amartey against Egypt but that should not rule him out of the entire squad.
RASHID SUMAILA
Sumaila played a major role in qualifying Ghana for the 2014 World Cup and made the cut for the tournament without playing a match. The tough tackling defender could have played his way into Avram’s squad with a string of consistent performances in the far East. Sumaila might not be the most fanciful defender but he clearly is an effective one who has mastered the art of defending. So impressive was his form he won best foreign player in the Kuwaiti league and he has carried this rich vein of form to Qatar where has been adjudged man of the match in a few appearances. A decent squad player who can fill in the void when needed in the tournament.