Former Ghana international Derek Boatengr stated the system of play of the Spanish La Liga teams is apt to Ghanaian players and their way of playing and this is why Thomas Partey and other Ghanaian football players are playing immense roles for their respective teams.
In an exclusive Instagram live with Starr Fm’s Benjamin Yamoah, the former Eibar midfielder opined that s La Liga is a platform for expressive football and that is why Africans and Ghanaians enjoy playing in the league because they can show their dribbling and abilities.
Yaw Acheampong, former captain of Ashantigold SC, was the first Ghanaian to feature in the Spanish top division for Real Sociedad from 1995-1997. Other Ghanaians to have played in the La Liga are Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, Richmond Boakye-Yiadom, Anthony Annan, Christian Atsu, Mustapha Riga Derek Boateng and Kevin Prince-Boateng. Here are some of the best Ghanaian players in the La Liga this season:
Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid)
The Atletico Madrid midfielder has put in influential performances this season and is known to be one of the best midfielders for Diego Simeone’s men. Thomas Partey has averaged 2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 1.3 clearances per game in 24 league appearances for the Los Rojiblancos. He has registered a pass completion percentage of 83.2% in the league this season and also won 1.8 aerial duels per game. The Ghanaian midfielder has been key for Atletico Madrid and was the best player in his 100th league appearance in the Madrid derby. He was colossal as he recorded a 95% passing accuracy (38/40 passes) and a 100% duel success (4/4) alongside 4 recoveries in the first half. Partey finished that game with passing 79 times, and 4 dribbles – more than any player from either team on the pitch. His performances have been noticed by Arsenal and Manchester United as they look to secure the midfielder’s signature. He has a WhoScored.com rating of 7.08 in the league this season.
Mohammed Salisu
The Real Valladolid center back in his first season in the Spanish topflight has been a good one so far as he has performed well enough to make him a guaranteed starter this season. With 30 appearances out of 31 in the league so far, Salisu has recorded a pass completion of 80.4% and has won 2.6 aerial duels per game. Since he developed into one of the best young center backs in Europe, he has registered 4.9 clearances, 1.4 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game. With a relatively low increase clause of about €12m, Salisu has drawn interest from Stade Rennais but is holding out for a Premier League move with Southampton, Newcastle, Everton, and Manchester United reportedly interested in his services. With a WhoScored.com rating of 6.78, he has been one of the best Ghanaian players in the league this season.
Iddrissu Baba (Real Mallorca)
Baba has been a regular name in the Mallorca’s lineup as he has provided solidity in the midfield of the Spanish side. He is a midfielder who gets fouled often and is a good dribbler averaging 1.5 dribbles from 29 league appearances for the Los Bermellones. He has played un a defensive midfield role and has also been pushed further forward the pitch for Mallorca. The hardworking midfielder has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 1.1 clearances as he helps his team escape the relegation zone and has earned a rating of 6.59 by WhoScored.com.
Joseph Aidoo (Celta Vigo)
The Black Stars defender who has been a great addition to Celta Vigo and had proved he is one of the best defenders in the team. He has featured 27 times in the league this season and has shown his defensive competency throughout the season recording 1.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game. With a good pass success rate of 86.5% and an average of 3.7 clearances, he has earned a WhoScored.com rating of 6.58 and is one of Ghana’s best performers in the La Liga.
Lumor Agbenyenu (Read Mallorca)
The left-back at RCD Mallorca was playing a key role until he suffered an injury after joining on loan from Sporting Lisbon. Lumor was key to the side as he played 18 league matches for the team this season till he suffered a hamstring injury against Deportivo Alaves in February earlier this year. The 23-year old went on to feature in 20 league games this season and has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1 interception, 2.4 clearances, and 1.3 dribbles per game. With 0.7 crosses per game and a pass success rate of 73. 8% this season, Lumor has earned an average match rating of 6.51 from WhoScored.com in the league this season.
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