Ghana's player to watch, rising star and a player that will be sorely missed at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Player to Watch: Asamoah Gyan
Juventus' Kwadwo Asamoah merits consideration. The 24-year-old joined the Old Lady on the back of some impressive displays for Udinese, for whom he made over 100 appearances. He has been a key figure for Juventus in the Champions League this season.
However, despite playing in a league decidedly inferior to Serie A, Asamoah Gyan is the player to watch. Third in Ghana's all-time goalscorers list behind the legendary Abedi Pele (33) and Tony Yeboah (29), with 28 goals to his name, Gyan is Ghana's main attacking threat. The 27-year-old will be looking to make amends after missing penalties at the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 AFCON. It is the memory of the latter spot-kick miss against eventual champions Zambia in the semi-finals last year that Gyan will be particularly keen to erase. He comes into the tournament in good form having scored an impressive 21 goals in 13 appearances for his club Al Ain.
Rising Star: Christian Atsu
Over the years Ghana have produced some incredibly talented players such as Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari, to name but a few. So, take a bow Christian Atsu, who tops the list as Ghana's rising star for the 2013 AFCON. The 21-year-old has been a regular for FC Porto this season, making 16 appearances, six of those in the UEFA Champions League. He is highly rated and touted as a genuine talent with a bright future for both club and country.
Sorely Missed: Andre Ayew
Forget Michael Essien, who has not played for his country since injuring his knee ahead of the 2010 World Cup - Marseille forward Andre Ayew's absence from the tournament will be keenly felt by the Black Stars. He was omitted from the squad by head coach James Kwesi Appiah after failing to report for a training camp in Abu Dhabi, citing a hamstring injury. The 2011 BBC African Player of the Year, capped 40 times for his country, has established himself as one of Ghana's most influential players in recent years. The Black Stars are poorer for the 23-year-old's absence.
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