- Stephen Appiah criticises exclusion of Andre Ayew
- This has sparked a heated debate
- Appiah believes that age should not be a deciding factor
Ghanaian football fans are buzzing after legendary captain Stephen Appiah weighed in on the controversial exclusion of veteran player Andre Ayew from Coach Otto Addo’s recent squad.
Appiah, known affectionately as “Dede” by fans, believes Ayew still has a lot to offer the Black Stars. This has sparked a heated debate about the criteria used for selecting players for the national team.
Ayew’s absence from the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Central African Republic raised eyebrows.
His extensive experience and past contributions to the team made the decision seem puzzling. Appiah’s comments suggest that Ayew’s age, rather than his current form, might be the bigger factor in his exclusion.
Appiah pointed to other seasoned players who continue to excel well into their late 30s and early 40s. He specifically mentioned Max Gradel of the Ivory Coast, who, at 37, played a key role in their recent
AFCON victory. This comparison highlights Appiah’s belief that age shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. He argues that a player’s current performance and fitness are more important indicators of their value to the team.
Further emphasizing his point, Appiah referenced football legends like Ryan Giggs, who defied expectations by playing competitively until 41, often surpassing younger teammates.
Appiah’s perspective suggests the Black Stars might benefit from re-evaluating their selection process, particularly when it comes to experienced players like Ayew.
This challenges the traditional preference for younger players, highlighting the importance of experience and tactical understanding that veterans like Ayew bring to the table.
