EXCLUSIVE: He’s been touted as one of the world’s most exciting talents and Ghana are expected to unleash him on the Socceroos in 18 days time.
Midfielder Anthony Annan, 22, from Norwegian club Stabæk, is the hottest prospect in Ghanaian football.
He is being tracked by Chelsea and is often referred to as the Ghanaian Pablo Aimar.
At January's African Cup of Nations, Annan, almost outshone Michael Essien in the Black Stars' midfield.
Durosimi Thomas reports African football for the BBC in London and he told au.fourfourtwo.com that Annan – an all-action midfielder - will be a treat for Aussie fans on May 23 at Sydney football stadium.
“Keep an eye out for Annan, he was a surprise starter during the Africa Cup of Nations and could be the next Essien,” said Thomas.
“He played locally for Hearts of Oak [in Ghana] and was in Scandinavia just before the CAN 2008.”
It’s been reported that Chelsea are tracking the progress of Annan, who made his full national team debut for the Black Stars in 2007 against Brazil.
The Ghanaians – who made their first World Cup in 2006 after stunning the Czech Republic in the group games and going onto the knockout stage - will use the game as preparation for a vital World Cup qualifier with Libya.
Thomas said the resurgence in Ghanaian football has a similar story to Australia.
"Colts football is big, a tradition," added Thomas. "Eight years ago, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss vowed to put it right and the result is what we are seeing now at senior level."
But the game against the Socceroos in Sydney in May is not likely to get the fans in Ghana too excited, according to Thomas.
Asked if Ghanaian fans had much awareness of the Socceroos, he said: “Not at all. A few names of Australian players like Viduka will come to mind. As far most Ghanaians are concerned, Australia is land of cricket and rugby.
“[Ghana] are fired up when playing sides like Brazil. Australia is not one of the sides they treat seriously. Their performance might not reflect their true potential.”
It’s understood that Ghana receive around US$300,000 per friendly these days, although it’s unclear what they will be paid to play Australia on May 23.
He is being tracked by Chelsea and is often referred to as the Ghanaian Pablo Aimar.
At January's African Cup of Nations, Annan, almost outshone Michael Essien in the Black Stars' midfield.
Durosimi Thomas reports African football for the BBC in London and he told au.fourfourtwo.com that Annan – an all-action midfielder - will be a treat for Aussie fans on May 23 at Sydney football stadium.
“Keep an eye out for Annan, he was a surprise starter during the Africa Cup of Nations and could be the next Essien,” said Thomas.
“He played locally for Hearts of Oak [in Ghana] and was in Scandinavia just before the CAN 2008.”
It’s been reported that Chelsea are tracking the progress of Annan, who made his full national team debut for the Black Stars in 2007 against Brazil.
The Ghanaians – who made their first World Cup in 2006 after stunning the Czech Republic in the group games and going onto the knockout stage - will use the game as preparation for a vital World Cup qualifier with Libya.
Thomas said the resurgence in Ghanaian football has a similar story to Australia.
"Colts football is big, a tradition," added Thomas. "Eight years ago, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss vowed to put it right and the result is what we are seeing now at senior level."
But the game against the Socceroos in Sydney in May is not likely to get the fans in Ghana too excited, according to Thomas.
Asked if Ghanaian fans had much awareness of the Socceroos, he said: “Not at all. A few names of Australian players like Viduka will come to mind. As far most Ghanaians are concerned, Australia is land of cricket and rugby.
“[Ghana] are fired up when playing sides like Brazil. Australia is not one of the sides they treat seriously. Their performance might not reflect their true potential.”
It’s understood that Ghana receive around US$300,000 per friendly these days, although it’s unclear what they will be paid to play Australia on May 23.
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