The Ghana Premier League lacks number 10s, there are more wingers now – Sports Journalist Peter Newton Lartey

According to sports journalist with Kessben TV, Peter Newton Lartey, the Ghana Premier League is currently witnessing a shift towards a greater emphasis on wingers, with the role of the classic playmaker fading into the background.

The “Number 10” role is one of the most iconic positions in football. Traditionally, the player in this role is tasked with being the team’s chief creator—operating in the central attacking midfield area and linking up play between defense and attack. The classic Number 10 is a player who possesses exceptional vision, close control, creativity, and the ability to score or assist goals with deft touches and incisive passes.

However, Peter Newton Lartey argues that this traditional role is becoming rarer in the Ghana Premier League. As the game evolves, the tactical demands placed on teams have also changed. Lartey suggests that coaches are now prioritizing pace and direct attacking play, which has led to a shift in the focus of player recruitment. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of wingers rather than central playmakers.

Over the last few years, many Ghanaian clubs have increasingly looked to recruit speedy, direct wingers who can exploit space on the flanks and deliver crosses into the box. These players often rely on their pace and dribbling skills to break down defenses, providing width and stretching the opposition. While these players have undoubtedly added a dynamic element to the Ghana Premier League, Lartey highlights that the traditional playmaker who sits in the middle of the park and orchestrates attacks has become a rare breed.

For instance, clubs are now more inclined to invest in wingers who can run at defenders, cut inside, or deliver crosses to strikers. These wide players, although exciting and effective in their own right, tend to operate in a more direct, individualistic style compared to the classic Number 10, whose job is often to set up teammates with precision passes and maintain the flow of play.

Lartey argues that the absence of a true Number 10 could be detrimental in the long run, as Ghanaian football may lose some of its historical flair and creativity. The country’s national team has long been known for its fluid attacking style, and without strong central playmakers, the team’s ability to sustain attacking pressure and dominate possession could be limited.

While the trend towards wingers may continue for the foreseeable future, there is hope that the traditional Number 10 role may make a comeback in the Ghana Premier League. As the tactical landscape of football continues to evolve, coaches and clubs may begin to place more value on playmakers who can dictate the pace of the game, unlock defenses with creative passing, and provide that spark of inspiration from midfield.

Peter Newton Lartey suggests that for the Ghana Premier League to maintain its competitive edge and provide the national team with the talent it needs for international success, it is essential for clubs to nurture the development of central playmakers. Grassroots programs and youth academies should look to cultivate young players who have the technical ability, vision, and creativity to fill the Number 10 role. Additionally, clubs must be willing to give these players the opportunity to showcase their talents on the big stage.