Why Essien must be shifted to Centre Back

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OGOGLO QUARTER ! 9 years ago

SOMETIMES HE DOES NOT WANT TO DO TOO MUCH TACKLING AND THIS MAY HINDERS THE CENTER BACK ROLE..

SOMETIMES HE DOES NOT WANT TO DO TOO MUCH TACKLING AND THIS MAY HINDERS THE CENTER BACK ROLE..
Asemsebe 9 years ago

Moron. You think playing defense is easy. When was the last time you saw Essien play Central defense? Liberty professionals? At age 18? How about he was playing out of position then. He is a natural midfielder. He can read th ...
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Moron. You think playing defense is easy. When was the last time you saw Essien play Central defense? Liberty professionals? At age 18? How about he was playing out of position then. He is a natural midfielder. He can read the game well, give pinpoint passes, win critical tackles, hard to knock off the ball, push the ball forward and unleash thunderous shots. These are qualities of a midfielder. He has played midfield for over 10 years, now is not the time to experiment. What a foolish article. Play the game and you would know what I mean.
Ghfuo, Pastor Whodunnit! 9 years ago

U are right! Great minds do think alike.

U are right! Great minds do think alike.
OGOGLO QUARTER ! 9 years ago

WATCHING US BEAT AZABAILJAN 2:0. GHANA CAN WIN AGAINST USA..THERE WAS NO SERIOUS GOAL SCORING MOVE BY USA BUT MY FEAR FOR GHANA WILL BE J.MENSAH HEIGHT AND STRENGTH TO JOZY AND LOWADUSKY GUY WHO IS VERY GOOD IN AERIAL BALLS..

WATCHING US BEAT AZABAILJAN 2:0. GHANA CAN WIN AGAINST USA..THERE WAS NO SERIOUS GOAL SCORING MOVE BY USA BUT MY FEAR FOR GHANA WILL BE J.MENSAH HEIGHT AND STRENGTH TO JOZY AND LOWADUSKY GUY WHO IS VERY GOOD IN AERIAL BALLS..
ASARE 9 years ago

THE ONLY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS I AM WORRIED ABOUT ARE AKAMINKO WHO SOMETIMES MAKE UNPARDNABLE MISTAKES AND PLAYING THE HALF HEALTHY ESSIEN IN DEFENSE.J.MENSAH IS ONE OF THE MOST STABLE AND RELIABLE DEFENSE PLAYER WE HAVE.GRANTED ...
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THE ONLY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS I AM WORRIED ABOUT ARE AKAMINKO WHO SOMETIMES MAKE UNPARDNABLE MISTAKES AND PLAYING THE HALF HEALTHY ESSIEN IN DEFENSE.J.MENSAH IS ONE OF THE MOST STABLE AND RELIABLE DEFENSE PLAYER WE HAVE.GRANTED HE IS NOT AS VERSATILE AS AFFUL OR AS WILY AS INKOOM AND BOYE BUT HE IS DEPENDANT AND YOU CAN COUNT ON HIM TO BE AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIMR.
Mark 9 years ago

Asare, I don't remember Akaminko making any unpardonable mistakes. Can you remind us which mistakes you are talking about. Jonathan Mensah committed a penalty against the USA, and Boye, and Sumaila have committed several foul ...
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Asare, I don't remember Akaminko making any unpardonable mistakes. Can you remind us which mistakes you are talking about. Jonathan Mensah committed a penalty against the USA, and Boye, and Sumaila have committed several fouls as well, but I don't remember Akaminko committing any serious blunders? Akaminko's biggest problem is sometimes complaining or throwing his hands up at players, and someone needs to talk to him about that, since he could attract a yellow card in the world cup for throwing his hands at players or the referee.
Asare 9 years ago

I think Akaminko goes in a trance sometimes and loses focus.Look at the goals against Ghana in Matches that he played and you will see most of our trouble begins when he fails to engage the opponent and try to over compensat ...
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I think Akaminko goes in a trance sometimes and loses focus.Look at the goals against Ghana in Matches that he played and you will see most of our trouble begins when he fails to engage the opponent and try to over compensate.I will prefer Jonathan Mensah or Boye to Akaminko.
Gbegbe 9 years ago

Great point. I was thinking the same.

Great point. I was thinking the same.
mike gee 9 years ago

I feel the same but USMNT can really be accessed after they meet Nigeria.

I feel the same but USMNT can really be accessed after they meet Nigeria.
respect your self 9 years ago

we are not ready to play nija all what ever you call them we will play them when we clash
world cup

we are not ready to play nija all what ever you call them we will play them when we clash
world cup
Ghfuo, Pastor Whodunnit! 9 years ago

They didn't look impressive like they did against Mexico when Donovan was on the team. U could see the tightness, lack of leadership, can't keep the ball or even rely on experience to score. The 1st goal was a fluke. The seco ...
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They didn't look impressive like they did against Mexico when Donovan was on the team. U could see the tightness, lack of leadership, can't keep the ball or even rely on experience to score. The 1st goal was a fluke. The second goal exposed the Azerbaijan lack of defensive experience. With Donovan, edu, Johnson on the team. They brought physicality and experience. To beat the us team. Just play zone becos they lack experience individual players. Secondly, keep them away from the 18yard box, both on the ground and know the air. Klinsmann will cry like a baby in brasil as his team will lose all 3 games.
Frimpong 9 years ago

What Klinsman has successfully done is to remove the idolization of players based their former performance.Donovan like Essien was a great player once but unfortunately age and health issues have hugely reduced their capabili ...
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What Klinsman has successfully done is to remove the idolization of players based their former performance.Donovan like Essien was a great player once but unfortunately age and health issues have hugely reduced their capabilities.They are still good players but I believe their respective coaches can find suitable replacements who can last the entire tournament.Can anyone truthfully say that Essien can out perform Helegbe? I have gained more respect for Klansman for his courage and foresight.
OGOGLO QUARTER! 9 years ago

PASTOR,PLEASE PRAY FOR GHANA BLACK ????....

PASTOR,PLEASE PRAY FOR GHANA BLACK ????....
sansambonsam 9 years ago

too old and slow........time to give someone younger that opportunity.........Essien can only play about 20min effectively.....thanks for the past Michael

too old and slow........time to give someone younger that opportunity.........Essien can only play about 20min effectively.....thanks for the past Michael
zikaypapa 9 years ago

I think you make a strong point. That Essien shuold be used as a central defender. Its a good idea. C, akwasi appiah shuold think about this suggestion, and it will help.

I think you make a strong point. That Essien shuold be used as a central defender. Its a good idea. C, akwasi appiah shuold think about this suggestion, and it will help.
hi 9 years ago

https://www.facebook.com/berlinda.amoh/posts/10152167111787756?notif_t=close_friend_activity

https://www.facebook.com/berlinda.amoh/posts/10152167111787756?notif_t=close_friend_activity
Babu 9 years ago

Essien is out off shape, simple

Essien is out off shape, simple
Soweto- London 9 years ago

Essien going back to his native defence will be a big boost of confidence for the likes of Jerry and Boye as they will have a role model next to them who will tell them when to go and when not to. I remember Essien as our num ...
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Essien going back to his native defence will be a big boost of confidence for the likes of Jerry and Boye as they will have a role model next to them who will tell them when to go and when not to. I remember Essien as our number 4 in Argentina for the 2001 U20 world cup; he was soo good and made important tackles and aerial clearance. His presence in front of the goalkeeper, will also give the keeper a massive boost and bring the best out of the keeper as he will always recall that there is a certain Michael Essien defending, one he can trust on a good day. God bless you, God bless Me and God bless our homeland Ghana. Good luck BlackStars, my advice to U is don't b selfish in D 18, shoot more accurately @ goal and always score 1or 2 more goals than ya opponents so u r guaranteed a win even when Suarez plays volley ball on the pitch.
mike gee 9 years ago

Essien has not been too successful in that role especially at his old age. Why do that if you have natural defenders who ply their career in that position. If its a question of how to utilized him, look as USMNT and Donavan

Essien has not been too successful in that role especially at his old age. Why do that if you have natural defenders who ply their career in that position. If its a question of how to utilized him, look as USMNT and Donavan
Ghfuo, Pastor Whodunnit! 9 years ago

He played that position early on. He won't be able to contest too many aerial ball. But he can read offenses and provide direction n leadership to the back 4. The 4 and 6 must help him serially to compensate for essien' aeria ...
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He played that position early on. He won't be able to contest too many aerial ball. But he can read offenses and provide direction n leadership to the back 4. The 4 and 6 must help him serially to compensate for essien' aerial liability.
Play the best players in their best p 9 years ago

@niithesoccerguy on Essien playing Centre Back… ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!
Essiens not a centre back
Hes not quick
Hes not tall

Play the best players in their best positions… Simple

Im happy that some of you guys remem ...
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@niithesoccerguy on Essien playing Centre Back… ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!
Essiens not a centre back
Hes not quick
Hes not tall

Play the best players in their best positions… Simple

Im happy that some of you guys remember CAN 2008 semi against Cameroon.
That idiot coach Claude Leroy played Essien CB because Mensah was out and that was the
worst decision he could make. Ghana played such a horrible game that night Ill never forget it
They totally lost their spark in their best asset which is the MIDFIELD so we shouldnt change
that for nobody.

I want to see rock solid action packed midfield with them pressing hard in that “African like”
heat and breaking teams bones lol!!! Essien has to be a part of that. We cant afford to
weaken ourselves

If someone had told me that we would beat Egypt 6-1 I would of said you are mad!!!
Now in that game did Essien play CB?????????????????????????????????????
I rest my case.

@niithesoccerguy we know he has played as a defender before for Chelsea and he has done a
good job but look at the defenders around him? With Terry Ivanovic Makélélé Carvalho Bridge Alex
Cole etc you can get away with stuff like that but Essien still got exposed by Ronaldo in
the CL 2008 Final didnt he??? Even Joe Cole had to help him out after a while.

If you honestly believe that Ghana do not have solid enough defenders amongst
them then sorry guys Ghana are in bigger trouble then I thought. One things for sure Essien
at CB doesnt change that… It just makes our midfield worst.
Dr. Appocco 9 years ago

I don't think Essien even starts for Ghana in the world cup. Ghana must use 4-4-2 as our preferred formation with Mensah and Boye as central defenders. Opare/Afful at right back and Schlupp at left back. Pack the midfield wit ...
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I don't think Essien even starts for Ghana in the world cup. Ghana must use 4-4-2 as our preferred formation with Mensah and Boye as central defenders. Opare/Afful at right back and Schlupp at left back. Pack the midfield with Dede, Asamoah, Rabiu (f he's back on form) and Muntari. Put Gyan and Prince/Waris up front. I hate to leave Atsu out but I think 4-4-2 will suit us better.
Mark 9 years ago

First of all the year is 2014 and not 2008, and we have way more midfielders than we had in 2008. Asamoah, Kevin, Muntari, Acquah, Badu, Atsu, Ayew, Rabiu, and Wakasso are all midfielders, so we can shift Essien back to centr ...
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First of all the year is 2014 and not 2008, and we have way more midfielders than we had in 2008. Asamoah, Kevin, Muntari, Acquah, Badu, Atsu, Ayew, Rabiu, and Wakasso are all midfielders, so we can shift Essien back to central defense without weakening the midfield.

As for Essien's fitness, height, and speed, I will leave that to the coach to decide. He did not show any serious deficiencies in the Zambia, Egypt, and Montenegro games, so I wouldn't worry too much about those factors. Again the coach is in a better position to decide on that, since he has a chance to observe Essien closely at training.

Yes, we do have a serious central defensive problem that needs fixing asap. We can start Akaminko and Jonathan Mensah as central Defenders, and use Essien and Edusei as backups. As I have always said, Boye and Sumaila are too prone to errors and might give away some very costly penalties or freekicks. Now is the time to fix the problem, not after the incident.
Topsey Speaks... 9 years ago

First of all for me Essien is the first person I have on
our team sheet.
He still has so much to offer in midfield in terms of
his talent and experience
All the players will be looking up to him. He is like
our Gerr ...
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First of all for me Essien is the first person I have on
our team sheet.
He still has so much to offer in midfield in terms of
his talent and experience
All the players will be looking up to him. He is like
our Gerrard or Pirlo.

Second Im not sure yourre aware of this but we have
Germany and Portugal in our group lol.
In 2006 group stages we scored 4 goals (not bad)
in 2010 we scored 2 pens (very bad and were lucky to
get out of the group)
I think Ghana are going to need more than 4 goals this
time around dont you think?

Now with Essien in midfield he will he will start up
attacks with his crisp passing he can create assists
he has a great long range shot and can get the odd goal
himself THOSE ARE FACTS WITH HISTORY TO PROVE IT.

These boys you are mentioning like Acquah, Atsu,
Rabiu and Wakasso dont start before Essien cause they dont
have the experience like him Ayew doesnt play in
the middle Badu is cool I like him but hes not
Essien and as for Asamoah lol hes rubbish!!! That guy
doesnt touch my midfield!!! Asamoah is a guy who
just cant cut it in a engine room of a team thats
why Juventus DONT PLAY HIM THERE!!! Aint he a left
back lol?

Mark you feel we have defensive problems. So after
4 years the only solution you have for the defence is
to play Essien there???
Then Im so sorry Mark but Ghana are OUT.
The reality is Ghana have never had a water tight defence
We have played 9 World Cup games and have conceeded 11
goals.
If you are saying are defence is that bad then we are
bound to conceed goals whether Essien plays
there or not

But Ghana have a glimmer of hope.
Watch the Eygpt home game again
Check out the performance
And check who started that game
Where did Essien play??? I hope Mr Appiah understands that
cause the only way we get out of the group is to fight fire
with fire. Essien is Fire so keep him in midfield...
Mark 9 years ago

Thanks for your comments, but I don't think I will jump to the conclusion that we are out quite yet unless you believe all the other teams are perfect and will not make any mistakes. Yes we do have a central defensive problem ...
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Thanks for your comments, but I don't think I will jump to the conclusion that we are out quite yet unless you believe all the other teams are perfect and will not make any mistakes. Yes we do have a central defensive problem, and will most likely concede some goals as a result if we don't fix it asap. Will we score enough to make up for the goals conceded? We could, but I would prefer to start working on not conceding too many goals. I'm not sure if you noticed that I said we should use Essien and Edusei as back-ups? I don't think we have a problem in the midfield, with or without Essien playing there. Our best midfielders are Kevin, Essien, Asamoah, Muntari, Atsu, and Acquah. Badu, Rabiu, and Wakasso are okay and could do something when push comes to shove. The thing is, we can afford to use Essien as a defender at this point, and since it's almost too late to do much about Boye and Sumaila's weaknesses, we might have to improvise and try to minimize the damage that could be done. It's a good thing the coach put Edusei on standby, because I think he could take the place of either Boye or Sumaila and make fewer mistakes than any of those two. I think we have a good first 11. The problem is with the backups. My first 11 will be the following:

1. Adams
2: Schlupp
3: Afful
4: Akaminko
5. Jonathan Mensah
6. Kwadwo Asamoah
7. Andre Ayew
8. Kevin
9. Warris
10. Gyan
11. Muntari

Depending on how the game is going, I will bring on Essien, Atsu, and Acquah as subs

The rest of the players can wait until there are injuries or cards.
Topsey Speaks... 9 years ago

If Essien is fit he starts for Ghana, get over it.

This article was about Essien STARTING at CB
But you are rather talking about him being a sub
CB? Come on man be realistic.

You said "we do have a central defensive ...
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If Essien is fit he starts for Ghana, get over it.

This article was about Essien STARTING at CB
But you are rather talking about him being a sub
CB? Come on man be realistic.

You said "we do have a central defensive problems"
and Im saying if you think we do have problems at the
back then Essien is not gonna change that.

And you really seem to like K Asamoah dont you? Are
you brothers? That guy is not starting in midfield
centre over the Bison. How dare he!

As I keep saying watch the Egypt home game
Watch the perfomance
Check the starting line up
Where did Essien play? Ok then...
Kb Amsterdam 9 years ago

You are right even if am in shoes of kwasi appiah l will sometimes let jerry play rightback it depends the team we are playing with CR7 we need very fast people like Inkoom or Opare but team like Germany we need strong peopl ...
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You are right even if am in shoes of kwasi appiah l will sometimes let jerry play rightback it depends the team we are playing with CR7 we need very fast people like Inkoom or Opare but team like Germany we need strong people is not like Ikoom or Afful at back but people like Essien Akaminko Jonthan Boye and so on to face Germany so you are right Essin at centre back is very good he is not good
Ghfuo, Pastor Whodunnit! 9 years ago

We need him.to primarily provide leadership, direction esp for the back. Our defenders lack experience necessary leadership in big tournament like the wcup. Essien can use his experience to read opposing offenses, play zone a ...
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We need him.to primarily provide leadership, direction esp for the back. Our defenders lack experience necessary leadership in big tournament like the wcup. Essien can use his experience to read opposing offenses, play zone against marquee players like Ronaldo and provide needed instructions, to the back.
Me 9 years ago

Ghana must never play Essien at central defence. Never and Never. I believe the coach knows why now.

Ghana must never play Essien at central defence. Never and Never. I believe the coach knows why now.
Light to darkness 9 years ago

I agree he should play in defense but I believe he should play as the holding midfielder covering the back four. He definitely be playing forward too much given his lost pace and speed.

I agree he should play in defense but I believe he should play as the holding midfielder covering the back four. He definitely be playing forward too much given his lost pace and speed.
OKOROMANSA 9 years ago

YOU HAVE MY FULLEST SUPPORT. I ALWAYS ROOTED FOE JOHN MENSAH, BUT IN HIS ABSENCE, I THINK WE SHOULD CONSIDER ESSIEN AT THE CENTRAL DEFENCE. THIS WRITER MADE AN EXCELLENT ANALYSIS, WHICH MUST BE LOOKED AT SERIOUSLY. ASAMOAH, ...
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YOU HAVE MY FULLEST SUPPORT. I ALWAYS ROOTED FOE JOHN MENSAH, BUT IN HIS ABSENCE, I THINK WE SHOULD CONSIDER ESSIEN AT THE CENTRAL DEFENCE. THIS WRITER MADE AN EXCELLENT ANALYSIS, WHICH MUST BE LOOKED AT SERIOUSLY. ASAMOAH, RABIU, MUNTARI, BADU, AYEW, PRINCE ARE ALL GOOD MIDFIELDER WHO COULD BE RELIED ON. HOWEVER, OUR YOUNG DEFENDERS ARE VERY GOOD INDIVIDUALLY, BUT LACK EXPERIENCE, AND WITH ESSIEN MARSHALLING THEM WILL BE A GOOD IDEA. I HOPE APPIAH AND NYANTERKYI ARE LISTENING.
FREEMAN 9 years ago

No! Not Central defence. Height impediment is one reason. Another is that at defence it is the attacker who often dictates speed with the ball. Essien may not stand the rampaging and continuous quick runs / speed of a player ...
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No! Not Central defence. Height impediment is one reason. Another is that at defence it is the attacker who often dictates speed with the ball. Essien may not stand the rampaging and continuous quick runs / speed of a player like Ronaldo. (Germany & USA also have speedsters). We all know Essien is rich with intelligence, experience, and ball control and good scheming. As attacking midfielder I should see him at his best, dictating pace, with intelligence and creating opportunities for goal efforts. Note how he suddenly, out of the blue decided to go solo in the Ghana – Egypt match at Kumasi. He outwitted their defence and eventually the same defenders ended by helping him to score the second goal.

This is the role Drogba does for Iv. Coast. He does little running but more outwitting for the younger ones to strike. His NAME pulls 3 or 4 defenders and the unknown, unmarked 2 or 3 around end up “doing the killing”. Essien playing about just outside the box may draw more defenders out of the senses than Warris or even Agyeman Badu. If he draws the crowd, a good shooter takes a good position and waits for a tap to “go for the kill”. Attacking Midfield is best for Essien.
Analyst 9 years ago

Currently Essien is not operating at his peak. He lacks speed in particular. I will be surprised if he gets selected in the regular team. The teams we are going to play at the WC are teams that are fluid with speed and we wou ...
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Currently Essien is not operating at his peak. He lacks speed in particular. I will be surprised if he gets selected in the regular team. The teams we are going to play at the WC are teams that are fluid with speed and we would stand no chance if we have many old men in the team. Essien does not have to start a match. In fact it would be a disaster to field him at centre back - he would be better used in mieldfield.
adu-boahen 9 years ago

it is verry very good

it is verry very good
ALEX 9 years ago

I WILL FOREVER MISS JOHN MENSAH FOR HIS SPEED

I WILL FOREVER MISS JOHN MENSAH FOR HIS SPEED
Soccerhene 9 years ago

Nii you have provided good analysis to justify your point but I would disagree because The World Cup stage is not a place to experiment or thinker with team formation.

While Michael can provide the cohesion and organizati ...
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Nii you have provided good analysis to justify your point but I would disagree because The World Cup stage is not a place to experiment or thinker with team formation.

While Michael can provide the cohesion and organization, we must not forget how good USA is with set pieces. Technical, tactically, and mentally Michael can handle such role but at his advance age and numerous injuries I seriously doubt if coach Appiah would experience with such line up on the world crucial footballing stage.
FRANKIE 9 years ago

AS MUCH AS I LOVE ESSIEN, THE IDEA TO OFFER HIM A CENTRAL DEFENCE POSITION IS SUICIDAL. BRING HIM IN AS A SUB DURING SECOND HALF AS AN ATTACKING MIDFEILD. IF HE MAKE ANY MISTAKE, THE DEFENCE CAN CLEAN UP. HE WILL BE PLAYING A ...
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AS MUCH AS I LOVE ESSIEN, THE IDEA TO OFFER HIM A CENTRAL DEFENCE POSITION IS SUICIDAL. BRING HIM IN AS A SUB DURING SECOND HALF AS AN ATTACKING MIDFEILD. IF HE MAKE ANY MISTAKE, THE DEFENCE CAN CLEAN UP. HE WILL BE PLAYING AGAINST THE VERY SAME PLAYERS HE'S BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTY DURING THE SEASON.I THINK ATTACKING MIDFEILD WOULD OFFER HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO LAY UP ACCURATE PASSES FOR GOALS.
Akamai 9 years ago

last year’s Africa Nations Cup to the World Cup qualifiers, we witnessed the defense all over the place, more reactionary than responsive.

Or maybe he meant "more reactionary than PROACTIVE"

last year’s Africa Nations Cup to the World Cup qualifiers, we witnessed the defense all over the place, more reactionary than responsive.

Or maybe he meant "more reactionary than PROACTIVE"
Maxbellion 9 years ago

I am very happy u bringing dis idear up .but please don't publishe ur game plane please .this i the time all the coaches are very addressive , some one may incounter on ur game plan please .

I am very happy u bringing dis idear up .but please don't publishe ur game plane please .this i the time all the coaches are very addressive , some one may incounter on ur game plan please .
isaac wussah 9 years ago

I think u made a very good point. nii

I think u made a very good point. nii
koo frank 9 years ago

HEIGHT MAY DISQUALIFY eSSIEN AT CENTRAL DEFENCE

HEIGHT MAY DISQUALIFY eSSIEN AT CENTRAL DEFENCE
Ernest Barden Obuasi 9 years ago

I subscribe to the writers idea n believe Essien can do better in de middle of defence. Lets use him in this role in our friendlies n see. Black Stars all de way.

I subscribe to the writers idea n believe Essien can do better in de middle of defence. Lets use him in this role in our friendlies n see. Black Stars all de way.

Why Essien must be shifted to Centre Back

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