By Ameenu Shardow
Ex Ghana defender Samuel Osei-Kuffour believes youngster Christian Atsu is the real deal for the Back Stars.
The 20-year-old thrilled football fans with his silky skills and well taken goal in Ghana's 7-0 mauling of Lesotho in the opening 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Kumasi last Friday.
The FC Porto player's impressive debut caught the eye of many including Kuffour who even went ahead to liken him to former greats; Mohammed Polo, Abedi Pele and Nii Odartey-Lamptey.
"This young chap, Atsu came into the game with all his skills and I was very excited," he said.
"For a long time we have not had a player to take on players on a one-one-one situation.
"Since the days of Mohammed Polo, Abedi Pele, Odartey Lamptey, we have not had anyone since so I was very happy to see him in action.
"That is it and this is what we want for our team so I congratulate them for the marvellous performance."
Atsu emerged the best player at Rio Ave last season where he was on loan from the 2004 Uefa Champions League winners.
He is expected to play a part in Ghana's second World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Saturday.