Under 17 Scouting: Due to the Messi influence, Most of the players who come for the trials are wingers – Frimpong Manso, Head coach of Ghana U-17 

Coach Frimpong Manso, the head coach of Ghana’s National Under-17 football team, has shed light on a significant shift in the country’s youth football landscape.

Speaking in an interview on Kessben TV, the seasoned coach noted that the majority of emerging talents being discovered through the current scouting system are wingers, a noticeable departure from previous years when midfielders dominated the scene.

“Most of the players we are getting through scouting are wingers,” Frimpong Manso stated. “In the past, we used to see more midfielders coming through, but now the trend has changed.” According to him, this shift is not by chance but largely influenced by global football icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and other prolific wide players who have revolutionized wing play in modern football.

He emphasized that the allure of scoring goals, making dazzling runs, and producing match-winning moments from the flanks has inspired many young players to model their game after these superstars. “The influence of Messi and others has made playing on the wings more attractive to young talents,” the coach added.

While the abundance of wingers offers exciting options for attacking football, Coach Frimpong Manso also hinted at the need for balance in team development. “We must make sure that in our quest to nurture these wingers, we don’t neglect the need to develop quality midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers,” he cautioned.

As the Black Starlets prepare for future competitions, Frimpong Manso remains optimistic about the raw potential available. However, he calls for continued investment in grassroots scouting and technical training to ensure a well-rounded team that reflects both Ghana’s football identity and the evolving nature of the game.

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