World Cup 2022 – Ghana: three Black Stars who can shine

Tariq Lamptey, settling the dual-nationality debate

A 22-year-old right-back, Tariq Lamptey was born in England and made his international debut with England's U21 side. The Brighton player is one of the many dual nationals who joined the Ghana squad last July, and so after qualification for the World Cup. Some see that as opportunism. Even so, he remains a very talented player who can offer the Black Stars plenty. He is a very sharp full-back who can patrol an entire flank. He is excellent in one-on-one duels and going forward he can be a major asset. His performances will be closely scrutinised, and like Iñaki Williams, the Bilbao striker, he is no doubt aware of it.

Thomas Partey, confirming his club form

If Arsenal have been leading the Premier League since the start of the season, it is partly thanks to Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder has made a stunning start to the campaign and is the backbone of the London side. Proof of that: he has made 11 league starts and scored two superb goals, one of which was voted Arsenal's goal of the month. He missed a few games through injury, and that caused the Londoners plenty of problems. His absence is hard to cover. He is the Gunners' key man, the player on whom the whole team's play rests. So Ghana will also expect him to repeat the same performances. What is more, he is one of the senior figures in the squad. Thomas Partey has been part of the national team for a while now (29 years old, 40 caps, 13 goals), but he has still not had the same impact as at club level, even when he was at Atlético Madrid. The Black Stars may not be gentle with him if he falters at this World Cup.

Mohammed Kudus, the tournament to prove himself

A key player in the Ajax Amsterdam squad, Mohammed Kudus, 22, is having one of the best seasons of his professional career. Five league goals and 4 Champions League goals is his tally this season. Those are good numbers, but he is also a player who has a strong influence on his team's play. An attacking midfielder who can also play up front, Mohammed Kudus is one of the revelations of the season in Europe. He will be watched not just by Ghana but by the whole world, with several European clubs already interested. He is a hugely talented player who can string together dribbles, provide assists and score. He has an extraordinary left foot that works wonders every weekend in Holland. Played ahead of a midfielder like Thomas Partey, who covers a lot of ground, he can hurt teams up front. He is a real asset for carrying the ball forward or adding drive down the flanks.

This Ghana side is a blend of young talent and experience, a mix that can make a good run in Qatar. They have just beaten Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly, a win that should boost their confidence. They begin their World Cup campaign on the 24th, at 16:00, against Portugal.