Former Ghana winger Laryea Kinston says Asamoah Gyan’s decision to retake penalties for the national team is a hallmark of good leadership.
The striker made a shocking pronouncement in 2010 when he said he won’t take any penalty for the country after he was heavily criticized for missing from the spot against Uruguay at the World Cup in South Africa.
However, after almost six of not taking penalties in the national jersey, the 31 year old rescinded his decision hence taking a penalty against the United States in a friendly recently where he missed again.
Gyan’s former teammate Laryea Kingston indicated for the striker to return to penalty taking duties that shows the qualities he has as a leader.
“But for me when he said his mum had warned him not to take penalties anymore, I knew the time will come for him to rescind that decision,” Laryea said on the Football Legends Night Show on GhOne TV.
“As a leader, you always have to lead by example. And there is a point in football when everyone wouldn’t want to take a spot kick and the captain must do so.
“So at that moment if the leader says his mother says he shouldn’t take penalties and wouldn’t go for it that is not leadership. So for him to have rescinded the decision, that is the way to go,” he added.
The former Sunderland striker has gone on to become Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals from 105 appearances.
Meanwhile, Laryea played 43 times for the country scoring six times.