Three home-based players have been the talking points as Ghana coach Chris Hughton prepares to name his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire.
In the debate over AFCON selection between Manaf Umar, Salifu Ibrahim, and Richmond Lamptey, Afro Stat Data analyst Scott Geelan breaks down the distinctive qualities of each player.
Manaf Umar stands out for his significant goal-scoring prowess, making him a notable offensive threat.
Salifu Ibrahim, on the other hand, showcases dominance in the final third, but Geelan raises concerns about his effectiveness in other phases, particularly highlighting defensive shortcomings.
He deems Manaf's skill set as the least valuable, especially in the context of the coaching staff not actively seeking goals from midfield.
Geelan suggests that players like Michael Baidoo may be better suited for such a role.
While acknowledging Salifu Ibrahim's eye-catching dominance in the final third, Geelan expresses reservations about his utility in various game situations, citing potential defensive limitations.
Ultimately, Geelan leans towards Lamptey as his preferred choice for the AFCON squad.
He values Lamptey's versatility and well-rounded contribution, seeing him as a player who excels in multiple facets of his position at the domestic level.
Although Geelan stops short of outright endorsement, he argues that, among the three players, Lamptey is likely the most versatile in central areas and could be a valuable addition to the AFCON squad.