Ghana legend Sulley Muntari has called on Ghanaians not to criticize Thomas Partey for Black Stars early exit at the 2022 World Cup.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.
Ghana made a strong start to the game, but fell apart after captain Andre Ayew missed a penalty in the 21st minute, a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Arsenal midfielder has been criticized by fans for his underwhelming performances for the Black Stars at the World Cup.
Partey was tipped for greatness at the mundial but the 29-year-old failed to glitter as Ghana suffer elimination from the tournament after defeat to Uruguay.
Speaking to 3Sports, the former Inter and AC Milan star urged Ghanaians not to criticized Partey, saying he should rather be encouraged.
"Partey for me is excellent, he is superb and a world class player, you can't take that away from him," he told 3 Sports.
"He is so intelligent in midfield and he is very elegant. When he plays he is a joy to watch.
"With the national team, I sit up there and I always think, I see Partey plays and sometimes it's like I don't see him around the team like in the last two games. But if Partey switched for like 25% of his strength, his mind and his intelligence and the way he knows how to play, the Black Stars will be crazy massive," he added.
“For me, you can’t criticize him, I won’t and I don’t want anybody should, let give him his time, let just leave him and he will just switch play and one day he will excel”