Kwadwo Asamoah wants attacking role for Ghana.

 

Kwadwo Asamoah has pleaded to his coach, Kwesi Appiah, to play him in a more attacking position for Ghana's next game against Germany this Saturday. 

The Juventus player, who naturally plays as a wingback, was positioned into a more defensive role at left back for Ghana in their 2-1 defeat to the USA in their opening game. Asamoah found it difficult to make the transition from his role in the Italian side's 3-5-2 formation to his country's 4-2-3-1 set up. He hopes after a disappointing result in the first game that his manager will move him into a more offensive role. 

According to FIFA, the 25-year-old said: "I'm the kind of player who attacks a lot. My style is different, I'm not a typical defender."

He also told AFP: "I attack, try to dribble one-on-one and make crosses and shots. I'm not a left back. And I'm finding it difficult because I'd like to show what I'm capable of and show that I can do more."

Last season, Asamoah scored just two goals but was constantly a provider for the Serie A champions. Throughout the season, he assisted for Carlos Teves and Fernando Llorente (both players not present at the World Cup) and Gyan will be looking to have more service and more chances in their next game. 

Ghana's next fixture is against Germany and it is crucial if they are to stand any chance of qualifying. The German's got off to the perfect start by beating Portugal 4-0, outlining themselves as one of the favourites for this competition. 

Appiah has claimed his aim is to take the team to the semi-finals - becoming the first African side to do so. Their opening game stumble wasnt the desired start but Spain also lost their first game at the 2010 World Cup and went on to win the tournament. Then again, that wont be happening this year.

At the last tournament in South Africa, Ghana made it to the quarter-finals, being the last African side remaining, but they were knocked out by Uruguay in controversial circumstances. Luis Suarez denied them a goal in the last minute of extra time using his hand before Gyan skied the corresponding penalty. In the end, they lost from the spot as Uruguay went on to seal fourth place. 

There have been reports that there is unrest in the Black Stars dressing room due to pay but Appiah wants to dismiss these claims and believes their opening 2-1 defeat just came down to the final finish. 

"I'm surprised to hear this. I mean, fine. Some of the money hasn't been paid yet, but...if you look at the performance today, it's got nothing to do with money. We created a lot of chances but we didn't take them," Appiah stated. 

Last time that Ghana and Germany met was at the last World Cup, also in the group stages where they beaten 1-0 thanks to a goal from Mezut Ozil. Interestingly, Kevin Prince Boateng is likely to face off against his half-brother, Jerome, for the second time at a World Cup - arguably in a more important clash.