The Stars “Striking Force”

This may sound ridiculous, but seriously, it may be one of our best options. Sulley Muntari as a striker? The player is deadly. He has the prolific shot and it doesn’t matter where he stands. If you have watched him closely over the years, you would notice that he hardly hits off target.

I have seen Plavi gradually bringing Muntari from the left wing to the middle that seems to baffle me. I have had no clue what Plavi's intentions are but if what I'm thinking is what he is thinking, then folks, Muntari is slowly but surely going to take over one of the striking spots. I wouldn't be surprise if that becomes the final product of Plavi's adaptation. What a great conversion that would be.

Another potential player that could be converted to a sharp shooter is Kevin Prince Boateng if only he could come off his high horse and join the team. I know for sure, Plavi will try that because our midfield is currently saturated with galaxy of stars the department will still survive if Kevin is transferred. With that conversion completed folks, Ghana could stand toe to toe with any world beater. However, my only fear is Kevin may destroy Kevin. I would wonder if he was not going to become swollen headed once he is made the BS accredited striker like Gyan is now. Considering his current demeanor that has given way too many varying views, one of which the GFA boss himself has to step in and mediate the purported rift between Kevin and Plavi. I am afraid if he is not going to bluff over his new found status as Ghana's lone striker should the conversion works perfectly.

On the striking scene, one more would be needed to compliment Gyan as usual. And I think, instead of Prince Tagoe, Dominic Oduro should be given the chance to justify his inclusion. With the way he runs, he may not have total control over his first touches, I believe, Plavi may work that out with him. This is one of the reasons he, Plavi, was hired, to bring the best out of players dealing with their shortcomings. Oduro has the attributes of a striker. He has the speed, as I have already mentioned. The accuracy in his shootings, the stamina to chase every ball, the strength to hold ball down, even though, not perfect at the moment, and his height to make it a plus, make him a complete striker.

Most of us are aware as the MLS (Major League Soccer) is not as tough league as the ELP (English Premier League), Serie A (Italian League), La Liga (The Spanish League), Bundesliga (The German League), Ligue 1 (French League), and even the other top leagues in Europe, it is still a premier league.

To me, giving Dominic Oduro, a Ghanaian citizen, the opportunity to serve his country is the right thing to do. I’m not advocating an automatic permanent position for him. Like every Ghanaian has the right to justify his inclusion and to represent his country, Dominic Oduro should not be excluded. I don’t think this is too much to ask. He has earned the consideration to justify his inclusion by scoring goals in the league he plays in. It is the criteria of the position he is willing to die for.

We know Coach Goran is the head coach and is capable of making the right decisions for the Black Stars. On the other hand, the country will like him to take a good look at Dominic Oduro’s performances for our next friendly match.

Expect our striking force during the upcoming AFCON 2012 to be:

1. Asamoah Gyan 2. Sulley Muntari 3. Kevin Prince Boateng 4. Dominic Oduro

The country has only two months to prepare these players to solve our striking problem. Plavi is good at what he does and has the ability to fix things. All we have to do is to stand back and watch the one in charge to make it happened. The last time he discovered a problem in the team’s left full-back position, with what we all witnessed in our last encounter with Nigeria, that departmental problem has been solved in the person of Massawudu Alhassan. With the talents above, I’m certain the striking force will as well be solved and very soon.

In all things, get wisdom get understanding

Ransford F. Peprah (Football Analyst)

Rnsfdpeprah@yahoo.com