Former Ghana midfielder Godwin Attram has appealed to Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz to maximise Thomas Partey’s strengths by building Ghana’s midfield around the experienced playmaker ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana will kick off its Group L campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17, with the Black Stars aiming to make a positive start in a group that also includes England and Croatia.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Attram emphasised that Partey’s effectiveness at the tournament will depend largely on how he is deployed by the technical team.
He argued that the Arsenal midfielder should be relieved of excessive defensive duties and allowed to influence the game from deeper, creative positions.
According to the former Ghana international, pairing Partey with a dynamic box-to-box midfielder would provide the balance needed for him to dictate play and connect defence with attack.
“The coach should pair him with an athletic, box-to-box midfielder who can cover ground,” Attram said.
“That would allow Partey to operate between the defensive and attacking lines, helping the team build from the back while also protecting the defence.”
Attram also highlighted Partey’s leadership qualities and wealth of experience, describing him as one of Ghana’s most influential players heading into the World Cup.
“He is an experienced player and a strong personality. If things do not go well initially, he has the quality and character to respond.”
The former Black Stars midfielder, who captained Ghana’s Black Starlets to the final of the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Cup, raised concerns about the national team’s build-up play following their recent friendly against Wales.
“One concern from the Wales game was our build-up play,” he said. “Too often, the goalkeeper went long instead of initiating attacks through the back line.”
He contrasted Ghana’s approach with that of Wales, praising the opposing goalkeeper’s involvement in possession and ball progression.
“If you watch Wales, their goalkeeper regularly stepped into the build-up phase, almost like a libero.”
Attram believes Partey can help address that weakness by serving as the key link between defence and midfield.
“Partey can help solve that problem,” Attram explained. “He should be responsible for linking play, screening the defence, and cutting out dangerous passes.”
The Black Stars will be making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and face a demanding route to the knockout stages. Following their opener against Panama, Ghana will take on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.
Under Queiroz, Ghana will be hoping to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic quarter-final run at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
