Michael Essien
Former Ghana international Michael Essien has stressed the need for Ghana to identify and nurture football talents at an early age if the country is to remain competitive on the global stage.
According to the former Chelsea midfielder, developing players from a young age is critical to producing technically gifted footballers capable of succeeding at the highest level of the game.
“We Must Get Them Young”
Essien emphasized that talent development should begin early, insisting that proper grooming and mentoring remain essential in shaping the next generation of football stars.
“We must get them young,” the former Black Stars midfielder stated while speaking about youth football development and the future of Ghanaian football.
The ex-Real Madrid and AC Milan player noted that young footballers require guidance, discipline and continuous technical training to fully develop their potential.
According to him, investing in youth football structures would help Ghana consistently produce world-class players capable of competing in Europe and international tournaments.
Focus on Youth Development
Essien, who currently serves as assistant coach at Danish side FC Nordsjælland, has in recent years been heavily involved in youth development through the Right to Dream football model.
He explained that mentoring young players goes beyond football and also involves shaping their character and professionalism.
“It’s always good to help the young ones who are coming up. You have to be a role model to them,” Essien said in a previous interview on youth development.
The former Black Stars midfielder added that Ghana possesses enormous football talent, but the country must improve systems that support player development from grassroots to elite level.
Building Ghana’s Future Stars
Essien’s comments come at a time when Ghanaian football stakeholders continue to debate the future direction of youth football and talent development in the country.
Several former footballers and coaches have recently called for stronger investment in academies, colts football and school sports to revive Ghana’s status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
Essien remains one of Ghana’s most successful football exports, having enjoyed an illustrious career with clubs including Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid and AC Milan, while also representing Ghana at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cups.
