I don't score a lot of goals because I'm not selfish - Jordan Ayew

Ghana and Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew believes his selflessness in games remains the reason behind his low scoring rate.

The 27-year-old, who has scored 13 goals for Ghana and 12 strikes as his highest league tally for a season, has over the years been criticised for his low numbers, with many suggesting that his best position could be playing as a supporting striker or down the flanks.

Interestingly, he has been chastised for his 'individuality and selfishness', the situation becoming most topical during the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil when he decided against setting up a better-placed Asamoah Gyan for what could have put Ghana 3-1 up against Germany in a keenly contested second group game. His shot could not find the back of the net and the Black Stars ended up ceding their one-goal lead to end the game 2-2.

“A striker is a striker whichever side you play. I don’t score a lot of goals but the problem is that I’m criticised by my coaches for not being selfish enough,” Jordan told Ghana Web.

“Because I like nice football, I enjoy if I score a goal, if I give a pass it’s the same way I enjoy it. I like to create, I like to score, I like to do a bit of everything.

“I know I have to do better but sometimes you’re not in the best position so you have to give it to your partner so that he scores. When you get the chance to score, you’ll definitely score.”

This season, Jordan, on loan from Swansea City, has netted just once in 18 games involving 13 starts for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.

“It’s not something that should be a major problem for me because I think a lot of my teammates and my coaches appreciate the all-around work I do,” added, the French-born.

“I’m not a selfish person, and my whole life, I’ve been like that and I’ve been criticized for not being selfish enough.

“I wouldn’t’ say it that way [that I want to become more selfish to score more goals], I would say I want to be more efficient and decisive. To be more selfish, no.”

Jordan also spoke about Ghana’s quest to end a 37-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations title drought when they play at the tournament again in Egypt in June/July.