Why Ghana Produces Some of the Best Central Midfielders in World Football
- Essence Of Football
- May 14
- 4 min read
The Serie A season is coming to its conclusion, there are only a few games left and Atalanta, last season’s Europa league winners, are playing AS Roma. Atalanta scored first with Roma quickly equalizing, Atalanta needed a win to secure Champions league football for next season. Atalanta Manager Gian Piero Gasperini decides to throw on the young Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana, a player who has not played much this season, in the 68th minute. After a great run down and cross down the wing from Nigerian Ademola Lookman the ball fell kindly to Sulemana who expertly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner of the net in the 76th minute.
The goal gave Atalanta the 3 points they needed and secured Champions League football for them once again. Outside of the goal it was an all around top level performance from Sulemana, commanding the midfield and providing the spark that Atalanta needed. Sulemana potentially looks to be another strong midfielder coming out of Ghana, a country that has produced many great midfielders over the years.
From the dynamic power of Michael Essien to the tactical sharpness of Thomas Partey, Ghana has consistently produced top-tier central midfielders who shine on the global stage. But what makes Ghana such fertile ground for this specific role in football?
A Culture That Breeds Midfield Intelligence
Like many other African countries, in Ghana, football isn't just a sport—it's a way of life. For many young men in Ghana the only way they can get their family out of the tough situations they are living in is through football. Kids grow up playing on dirt, bumpy fields, and improvised local pitches. These environments naturally develop and emphasize the importance of crucial midfield attributes like spatial awareness, close ball control, and quick decision-making.
Built for the Demands of the Engine Room
Ghanaian midfielders are known for their physicality. When you grow up playing in the streets of Ghana there is no age bracket. Young men from all ages gather on the pitch to play the game they love. This results in players learning and understanding the physicality of the game very early. Because of this many Ghanaian midfielders instantly bring intensity, stamina, and strength to the pitch—qualities essential for dominating the center of the park.
Michael Essien averaged 11.2 km per game during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, ranking among the top midfielders for distance covered. Thomas Partey, Arsenal’s midfield linchpin, frequently appears in the Premier League’s top 10 for combined tackles and interceptions, showcasing his all-round engine and defensive awareness.
Sharpened in Europe’s Tactical Labs
Many of Ghana's elite midfielders grow their game in European leagues in Norway,Finland,Belgium & Sweden before moving to the likes of the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1. With most players already understanding the physical part of the game, exposure to high-level tactical training sharpens their positioning, passing, and game intelligence which may be lacking at times when they first arrive in Europe.
According to a 2022 CIES Football Observatory report, Ghana ranked among the top 5 African countries with the most central midfielders playing in UEFA’s top five leagues. This shows that European clubs recognize and develop Ghanaian midfielders at a consistent rate.
Inspired by Legends, Driven by Legacy
The influence of Ghanaian midfield legends cannot be overstated. Abedi Pele, a Ballon d’Or nominee and three-time African Player of the Year, laid the foundation. Followed by the likes of Stephen Appiah & Kwadwo Asamoah who both played for Italian giant Juventus of the Serie A. Sulley Muntari & to a larger extent Michael Essien brought global attention to Ghana’s midfield toughness, winning multiple Premier League titles with Chelsea and earning a reputation as one of the most complete midfielders of his generation.
Essien was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year in 2007 and was a critical piece of their 2009–10 Double-winning team. His legacy continues to inspire the likes of Thomas Partey and Lawrence Agyekum, who are now breaking through in top leagues.
Dominating the Numbers for the National Team
Ghana’s national team—the Black Stars—often leans on its midfield to control games. Whether it's breaking up opposition play or launching counterattacks, the midfield has historically been Ghana’s strongest asset.
During the 2022 World Cup qualifiers:
Central midfielders accounted for 62% of successful tackles in midfield
58% of progressive passes originated from central midfield
They made 70% of all interceptions in the middle third
This dominance and heavy reliance on the players in the middle of the park shows how crucial the midfielders have been to Ghana’s overall team structure and success.
Notable Ghanaian Central Midfielders
Michael Essien – Chelsea, Real Madrid
Thomas Partey – Arsenal, Atlético Madrid
Sulley Muntari – Inter Milan, AC Milan
Kwadwo Asamoah – Juventus, Inter Milan
Stephen Appiah – Juventus, Fenerbahçe
Conclusion: A Midfield Factory in Motion
Ghana doesn't just produce footballers—it builds midfield generals. With a rich mix of cultural passion, physical attributes, and European refinement, Ghanaian midfielders continue to lead both club and country with skill and grit.
As new talents emerge like Ibrahim Sulemana continue to emerge from Accra, Kumasi, and beyond, one thing is certain: the world can expect Ghana to keep supplying elite central midfielders leading their teams to trophies and dominating the midfield for years to come.
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