Best Ghanaian players to ever play in the Premier League

Published on: 18 May 2021
Best Ghanaian players to ever play in the Premier League
One of the first Ghanaian footballers to play in the Premier League, Tony Yeboah lit it up during his short spell at Leeds United between 1994-97. During that time he scored 24 goals in 47 appearances, including two of the greatest goals the division has ever seen.

Ghana have produced some top players in the Premier League and European leagues alike over the past two decades, so much so that it comes as a surprise to many that they haven’t won the African Cup of Nations since 1982.

Here’s our favourite players from the West African nation to step foot in the Premier League:

 

Christian Atsu

The pacey left winger had a promising career ahead of him when he moved from FC Porto to Chelsea in 2013 as a 21-year-old. However, Christian Atsu didn’t make a single Premier League appearance for the Blues and was subsequently loaned out again and again.

Atsu’s most successful spell was with Newcastle United in 2016, where the Magpies made the deal permanent the following year. Now 29, the 65-time Ghanaian international remains on Tyneside. He’s no longer a regular in the team but has been used as a counter-attack threat from the bench.

 

Thomas Partey

A Champions League finalist and Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid, Thomas Partey joined Arsenal last summer but has been part of a disappointing campaign. The 27-year-old himself has put in some good moments and performances in the middle of the pitch and generated positive Arsenal news headlines but an upgrade is needed if they’re to get back into the Champions League places next season, or even in European competition in general.

 

Jeffrey Schlupp

Born in Germany, grown up in England, represents Ghana. From a failed trial at Manchester United that saw him cut after just one day, Jeffrey Schlupp has made a Premier League career out of his pace down the left wing.

Wasn’t a very good defender when playing left-back when playing for Leicester City so they moved him to the wing. And then onto Crystal Palace. Wasn’t very good at left-back their either so Roy Hodgson has utilised Schlupp down the wing himself more often than not. Over 200 Premier League appearances to his name, he must be doing something right.

 

Sulley Muntari

An FA Cup winner in his single season with Portsmouth and a brief spell at Sunderland either side of playing for Milan giants Inter and AC, Sulley Muntari’s tough-tackling in the middle of the park earns a place in our top 10 Ghana players to play in the English top flight.

 

Asamoah Gyan

A national hero in the country with over 100 caps and 50 goals for the national team, Asamoah Gyan’s career may be best summed up by missed penalties and failing to live up to his potential.

Somewhere in between Gyan earned a club record £13 million transfer to Sunderland where he spent little more than a season, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances.

 

Andre Ayew

A lot had been expected to Abedi Pele’s children when they burst onto the scene at Marseille more than a decade ago. They were both unable to bring the title back to south France like their father had done previously, before both moving to the Premier League in the summer of 2015.

Jordan had spells with Aston Villa and Swansea City before settling at Crystal Palace where he remains today. Andre was able to make a more impactful presence during his two spells with Swansea, either side of playing for West Ham United.

 

Daniel Amartey

Now in his fifth season with Leicester City, Daniel Amartey has an FA Cup winners’ medal to his name but has largely been in and out of the squad during his time in the Premier League.

Unable to convince at right-back, he is now used more often in the middle of the park when he does play. Strong in the tackle but lacks tactical knowledge. Could be a squad player for the Foxes until his contract runs out.

 

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Kevin-Prince Boateng currently plies his trade in Serie B with Monza as he approaches the final years of his storied career.

14 years ago, Tottenham Hotspur brought him to the Premier League from Hertha Berlin though struggled to hold down a regular place in the first team. It wasn’t until he moved to Portsmouth in 2009 where he made a big impact.

Although missing a penalty in the FA Cup final at 0-0 that season, before going on to lose to Chelsea, Boateng had been a cult hero down at Fratton Park with his technical ability and long-range shots.

 

Tony Yeboah

His departure back to Germany, with Hamburg came as a surprise to many, especially Leeds fans.

 

Michael Essien

Michael Essien had been highly-rated at Lyon when Jose Mourinho brought him to the Premier League with Chelsea in 2005. Although initially filling in at right-back he quickly settled back into his holding midfield role.
Eight years at Stamford Bridge saw Essien win two Premier League trophies, five FA Cups and the 2012 Champions League. He was the best holding midfielder in the league during many of those years before moving to Real Madrid and then AC Milan.

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