World Cup: Shilla Illiasu thinks 2006 squad superior to current one

Former Black Stars defender Shilla Illiasu has explained how superior the 2006 World cup squad was as compared to the current crop of players set to represent Ghana in Qatar for the 2022 World cup.

The 2006 squad included players like Samuel Kuffuor (AS Roma), Michael Essien (Chelsea), (Sulley Muntari (Udinese) and Stephen Appiah (Fenerbahçe) among others. On the other hand, the likes of Kudus Mohammed, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams and Salisu Mohammed may be acknowledged as big names ahead of the 2022 world cup.

However, Shilla Illiasu thinks the difference between the two squads may be attributed to the playing time of players at their respective clubs.

“The strength of the team (in 2006) leaned on the shoulders of the foreign-based players because those players were regular starters at their respective clubs.

“Truth must be told. Can we say this crop of players are playing regularly (as compared to 2006)?” he quizzed rhetorically.

On the issue of getting quality local-based players to represent Ghana, he advised stakeholders to prioritize the local league.

“If you compare both squads, I quite remember, the Ghana (Premier) League was one of the best in Africa (in 2006). I will advise the authorities to invest in the local league if they need the national teams to perform at the highest level.” He added.

With 17 days more to commence the World cup, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is expected to name his final 26-man squad within the next 11 days initiating the team’s preparation ahead of their first match against Portugal on November 24.

Source:3news.com|