Ghanaians Abroad: Team of the Season

NOTE: Selection is based on player CLUB performances through out the 2010-11 season.

Goalkeeper

• Richard Kingston(Blackpool, England): Arguably enjoyed one of his most fruitful seasons since he left Ghana. Goalie Ahorlu(Ashkelon) was the only one considered as a challange for this position.

• Daniel Opare(Standard Liege, Belgium): Moved to Belgium after several unfruitful years with Real madrid. This has been his breakthrough season, displaying not only the same attacking intent in a more consistent manner, but shaping his defensive game to become a more solid, all round full-back.
• John Mensah(Sunderland, England): Missed a chunk of season through injury, but then there was not much of a chanllange from the other Ghanaians central defenders in Europe
• Isaac Vorsah(1899 Hoffenheim,Germany): Continued good form from last season, and benefited greatly from being given a lot more freedom to go upfront. Got 2 league goals for his club
• Hans Sarpei (Schalke, Germany) : Played in the European Champions League and also won the German cup. Not his best season, but the only natural left back in Europe who played regularly. His biggest contribution came in Europe as he showed flashes of some excellent work

• Andre Dede Ayew (Marseille, France): Coming off the back of a stellar performance at the World Cup, there wasn’t really a great deal expected of Ayew at the Stade Velodrome this season, where he was returning after a campaign on loan with Arles-Avignon. How the young Ghanaian would prove his doubters wrong, though. With 10 league goals to his credit, the 21-year-old has provided Marseille not only with a goal threat, but also with a creative outlet on the left flank. On occasion, he has even been employed as a central midfielder. This versatility and excellence has attracted the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona scouts to watch him, and a move could be on the cards in the summer.
• Micheal Essien(Chelsea, England): Not a season to remember for the highly rated midfielder, but did enough to merit a place on the team. Started the season in a strong run of form before injury interrupted his rejuvenation. His versatility when fit has been of use to Chelsea.
• Prince Kevin Boateng(Milan, Italy): Ghanaian player of the year without a doubt. Worked his way into the Milan side. He exudes confidence, vitality and versatility to offer a strong presence on the pitch that teammates have often looked to. He has been a key component to Milan’s tactical adjustments and his work-rate has been second to none.
• Kwadjo Asamoah: (Udinese, Italy): The most consistent Ghanaian midfielder this season, ably supporting the defence to double up on opponents and creating a stronger midfield line the rest of his team has been able to build from.

• Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland, England): Signed for big money from Rennes, the striker hasn’t always enjoyed the best of times in his first season in England.
  

• Prince Tagoe: After a slow start to the season, he has grown into a more dynamic footballer, showcasing an excellent work-rate and rediscovered positive attitude to match his ability on the ball

NOTE: Selection is based on player CLUB performances through out the 2010-11 season.

Goalkeeper

• Richard Kingston(Blackpool, England): Arguably enjoyed one of his most fruitful seasons since he left Ghana. Goalie Ahorlu(Ashkelon) was the only one considered as a challange for this position.

• Daniel Opare(Standard Liege, Belgium): Moved to Belgium after several unfruitful years with Real madrid. This has been his breakthrough season, displaying not only the same attacking intent in a more consistent manner, but shaping his defensive game to become a more solid, all round full-back.
• John Mensah(Sunderland, England): Missed a chunk of season through injury, but then there was not much of a chanllange from the other Ghanaians central defenders in Europe
• Isaac Vorsah(1899 Hoffenheim,Germany): Continued good form from last season, and benefited greatly from being given a lot more freedom to go upfront. Got 2 league goals for his club
• Hans Sarpei (Schalke, Germany) : Played in the European Champions League and also won the German cup. Not his best season, but the only natural left back in Europe who played regularly. His biggest contribution came in Europe as he showed flashes of some excellent work

• Andre Dede Ayew (Marseille, France): Coming off the back of a stellar performance at the World Cup, there wasn’t really a great deal expected of Ayew at the Stade Velodrome this season, where he was returning after a campaign on loan with Arles-Avignon. How the young Ghanaian would prove his doubters wrong, though. With 10 league goals to his credit, the 21-year-old has provided Marseille not only with a goal threat, but also with a creative outlet on the left flank. On occasion, he has even been employed as a central midfielder. This versatility and excellence has attracted the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona scouts to watch him, and a move could be on the cards in the summer.
• Micheal Essien(Chelsea, England): Not a season to remember for the highly rated midfielder, but did enough to merit a place on the team. Started the season in a strong run of form before injury interrupted his rejuvenation. His versatility when fit has been of use to Chelsea.
• Prince Kevin Boateng(Milan, Italy): Ghanaian player of the year without a doubt. Worked his way into the Milan side. He exudes confidence, vitality and versatility to offer a strong presence on the pitch that teammates have often looked to. He has been a key component to Milan’s tactical adjustments and his work-rate has been second to none.
• Kwadjo Asamoah: (Udinese, Italy): The most consistent Ghanaian midfielder this season, ably supporting the defence to double up on opponents and creating a stronger midfield line the rest of his team has been able to build from.

• Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland, England): Signed for big money from Rennes, the striker hasn’t always enjoyed the best of times in his first season in England.
  

• Prince Tagoe: After a slow start to the season, he has grown into a more dynamic footballer, showcasing an excellent work-rate and rediscovered positive attitude to match his ability on the ball