Five influential Black Stars players likely to suffer from Otto Addo’s new strategy

Multiple reports in the media space indicate a shift in strategy and policy for Black Stars coach Otto Addo, with the focus now on creating a Black Stars team anchored on youthfulness and form.

With a significant portion of the squad reaching the twilight of their careers, coach Otto Addo has reportedly made a potentially controversial decision to phase out the ageing but influential players and replace them with budding talents with high potential.

The reports, which have been rife in recent weeks, indicate that Otto Addo has already communicated his decision to these players and that while they will continue to be part of the current assignments, their future in the team is not guaranteed.

GhanaWeb Sports, today May 24, 2024 lists five players likely to be affected by this decision by Otto Addo.

Thomas Partey

The news could come as a significant blow for Thomas Partey, as not only is the future of his international career up in the air, but his club career is too.

With a year left on his Arsenal contract, reports have emerged that the Gunners are likely to cash in on him in the summer transfer window.

Under Arteta and Edu, Arsenal have shown proactivity in securing their prized assets with long-term contracts, but Partey has yet to be offered a new contract amid rumours of Saudi links.

The midfielder has also seen his influence on the national team wane over time due to the injuries that have blighted his career.

At age 30, Partey is considered an elder member of the Black Stars squad, and with his performances for the team not matching up to his club form, likely, Otto Addo will not be counting on him for the long term.

Daniel Amartey

For most followers of the Black Stars, the ideal center-back partnership for the Black Stars should be Alexandre Djiku and Mohammed Salisu.

Amartey, who has been capped over 52 times for Ghana, has not enjoyed a successful spell with Turkish side Besiktas, and his performance for the national team lately has left much to be desired.

Amartey, who turns 30 in December, is another player whose Black Stars career could end if Otto Addo presses on with his new plan.

Andre Dede Ayew

The skipper of the Black Stars divides opinion among Ghanaian football fans, with sharply divided views on whether he still has enough football left in his tank to play for the Black Stars.

After the report emerged, the 34-year-old has been strongly criticized, with most people believing that he should be dropped permanently from the team.

Owing to his influence and popularity among some of the Black Stars players, it will be interesting to see if Otto Addo will heed the calls.

Dennis Odoi

Dennis Odoi switched nationality to the Black Stars ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and he performed creditably.

There are instances where he impressed, and there are occasions where his lack of pace, which is understandable considering his age, was heavily exploited by wingers.

With Tariq Lamptey and Seidu Alidu, Ghana has some options at right-back, so he is one that Otto Addo could exclude from future call-ups.

Richard Ofori

The general belief is that a goalkeeper is like fine wine, and at 30, Richard Ofori could be said to still be in his prime; however, his performances recently have negated any thought of him still being a keeper in form.

At club level, he has found minutes hard to come by at Orlando Pirates, and his errors at the AFCON will forever be etched in the memories of Ghanaians.

In his first call-up after his return, Otto Addo did not invite Richard Ofori, and there is no indication that he will give him a call-up for future games unless there is a dramatic turn in performance for Ofori.

EK