Ghana’s midfield conundrum potential options to cover for Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey in his probable absence

Ghana midfield veteran Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada after the Canadian High Commission rejected his visa application.

The High Commission cited the active criminal charges against the midfielder as the reason for his visa refusal but the government of Ghana has filed an appeal against the decision.

Should they be unsuccessful with their challenge, Partey would be unable to travel with the team to Canada and take part in the fixture against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday and any subsequent games hosted in Canada.

With only four natural central midfielders called up by head coach Carlos Queiroz in his 26-man squad, losing Partey would understandably be a big blow to the Black Stars.

Coupled with the pre-tournament losses of key players such as Mohammed Kudus. Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku, a potential Partey absence means that the Black Stars would be lacking a lot of experience and quality on the pitch.

But while experience can only come with game time, there are still talents in the team that could help to plug the gaps in quality should they be platformed effectively.

Caleb Yirenkyi is Ghana’s most talked-about prodigy going into this World Cup. The versatile 20-year-old Right to Dream graduate has drawn comparisons to the legendary Michael Essien for his versatility, dynamism, and technique on the ball.

Yirenkyi featured primarily at right back under previous head coach Otto Addo but Queiroz’s trust in him to perform in a more natural midfield role was immediately rewarded with a first goal for the Black Stars against Wales. Yirenkyi was in line to start next to Partey but with the latter out, he would have more ball progression responsibilities in the centre of the pitch.

 Elisha Owusu’s profile is very different to Yirenkyi’s, but they are profiles that complement each other well. Elisha has more of a metronomic presence in midfield: conducting tempo and recycling possession with neat, short passing and clever positioning.

The Auxerre midfielder is also strong in the duel and can regain possession with his physicality before laying it off to a more creative teammate in the midfield.

His positional discipline means he is content to sit in front of the defence and guard against transitions, making his profile a great fit for a box-to-box midfielder like Yirenkyi.

 After just a few appearances for the Black Stars, Kwasi Sibo has already built a reputation of being a midfield destroyer. The Real Oviedo midfielder has a no-nonsense approach to duels and takes no prisoners with his tackles, often diving in aggressively.

Against a very physical Panamanian midfield, Queiroz might just opt to match their aggression boot-for-boot by fielding Sibo next to Yirenkyi or even Owusu if the gameplan is more conservative.

 If Queiroz decides to go for a more offensive gameplan instead, Augustine Boakye might be the best option to fill the slot vacated by Partey. The effervescent Saint-Etienne midfielder is even more versatile than Yirenkyi with his ability to play in any position in midfield and even up top should the need arise.

He captured the imaginations of Ghanaians on social media following his impressive exploits with the French side in their push for promotion, and if he can replicate that form for the Black Stars in his maiden tournament he would become a household name overnight.

Although he’s naturally an attacking midfielder, Boakye has played and shone in deeper roles for Saint-Etienne this season. His presence in midfield would likely require Yirenkyi to stay a bit deeper or a partnership with Elisha Owusu as a better fit.

 Black Stars fans would be hoping that Partey’s decision is overturned and he is able to take his place in midfield. But even if he is not available, there are still options for Carlos Queiroz to pick from and all is far from lost.

In Yirenkyi, Owusu, Sibo, and Boakye, there is enough tactical variety to be able to surprise the Panamanians and adapt to anything they may launch at us. Let’s hope the midfield options use this tournament to build their own legacies.