After being deployed at the left back for Ghana’s Group G clash with USA last Monday, the gifted Asamoah said he would prefer being played in an offensive midfield role where his talent would be better utilised by the Stars.
“Everybody knows where I perform best. I have never enjoyed playing at the back but when you’re asked to step in what can you do? he told the media after last Monday’s 1-2 loss to USA.
“I see myself as one of the creative players on the field and so when I play in the offensive, it’s more helpful.
“I don’t enjoy playing at the back and in the end it doesn’t help the team.”
Critics of Ghana’s tactics say Coach Kwasi Appiah deprives his team of the attacking thrust and creativity which the Juventus star provides, particularly when the Stars have other options in defence.
On a number of occasions when Asamoah made forays in attack, the Ghanaians had USA on the back foot, and the midfielder started off the three man-move with Asamoah Gyan which saw Andre Ayew scoring a beautiful goal last Monday.
“When you play as a target man, you have to stay up front and help the team out by holding the ball up and waiting for support. That all comes with experience.
“It’s a good role for me to play when its on the offensive. But I’m afraid the defence is not the best place for me,” explained Asamoah.
At the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa, Coach Appiah faced similar criticisms after deploying Asamoah in defence, but he later buckled under pressure in the course of the tournament when the Ghanaian side clearly needed a creative midfielder to unlock opposing defences.
(Selorm) | 
(Nana Kwesi)