Famous former Ghana FA capo Kwesi Nyantakyi has backed Andre Ayew's comment that senior players may have selection advantage ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“The newcomers are talented, but we already have a strong team that qualified for the World Cup, so every position is competitive,” Ayew told Aljazeera.
“Apart from senior players who may have an advantage, I believe no one is guaranteed a place in the squad just yet. Everyone must prove their quality on the field and everyone has a chance, giving the coach more options and solutions, formations, and I believe it is beneficial to have new players with the right mentality.”
His comment has created a heated argument within the footballing fraternity and on Social media.
But the former Ghana FA has backed the Black Stars captains comments.
"It's all depends on the coach. The management will only demand for a criteria for selection. It may be borne out of experience, goal scoring potentials whom if given the chance can deliver goals for the country. Performance of defenders and goalkeepers also come under the microscope," he told KINGS TVGH SPORTS.
"Every position has two or three players vying for the spot. But the final decision rest with the coach.
"Andre Ayew only expressed an opinion. It doesn't necessarily means that's how the coach is going to do his work because he is not the gaffer.
" He even prefixed it with 'MAY'- Senior players may be able to make the coach's selection. But that doesn't make it automatic.
"Many times, coaches have dropped senior players and picked younger players and at certain times, we have dropped younger players for senior players so it boils down to the strategy of the coach.
"It not based on age or experience alone, the performance of an individual in totality determines a lot of things. It is a technical issue. What everyone says is an opinion and he also has an opinion.
"Andre Ayew has the right to express himself and an opinion. Any other player too can express same or otherwise but its not binding on the coach.