Date: 25th November 2022 at 3:52pm
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Thomas Partey’s abilities were called to question by Roy Keane before Ghana fell to Portugal on Thursday evening in their opening World Cup fixture.

THE LOWDOWN: GHANA SUFFER CONTROVERSIAL DEFEAT

Ghana and Portugal squared off at Stadium 974 in a rematch if their 2014 World Cup group stage fixture. After an uneventful first half, the game came alive in the second half and both teams ended up giving viewers and the fans in attendance the game of the tournament so far.

The match ended 3-2 in favour of Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates but Ghana will hold their heads high after pushing the Europeans and scoring the first African goals of the tournament.

The West Africans boast their own collection of big names including Arsenal man Thomas Partey, who many are looking forward to watching after the elegant shift he has put in so far for the Gunners. Keane, however, does not believe the former Atlético de Madrid man is the type to lead the team to anything worthwhile in the tournament.

THE LATEST: LEADERSHIP CLAIM MADE

Speaking on ITV before the match, Keane said: “Well he’s having a very good season. He’s settled down, he had a lot of injury problems when he first went to Arsenal.

“He’s got a big role here because there are some inexperienced players around him. I’m still not convinced he’s got those leadership skills.”

“But a very good player and he’ll have a big part to play today because there’s a big responsibility, particularly in the middle of the park, of course a huge position on the pitch.

“He’s had a good season, he should be confident, but it’s a big challenge for him in the middle of the park to help the players around him.”

Graeme Souness, Keane’s co-commentator for the game on ITV added: “I think he’s got better. It took him a wee bit of time to adjust to our game. I think he’s got a bit of everything and I think you’re going to see him improve in his days at Arsenal.

“He’s got all the attributes to be a very, very good player in our football. This is another stage for him, get out there and show you can do it on this stage as well.”

THE VERDICT: DIFFERENT TERRAIN

Another story might have been said if Ghana managed to win or claim a result against Portugal. For several reasons, players often struggle to replicate their brilliant club form in country colours and vice versa. It is only normal in football but such a claim made after just one game is quite harsh on Partey.

 

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