In Pictures: When Essien, Muntari and Appiah used to run the Ghana midfield

Once upon a time Essien, Appiah, Laryea and Appiah were Ghana’s best midfield quartet.

It’s been a long time since Ghanaians, and Africa at large, saw the Black Stars dominate matches like the nation used to do between 2004 and 2009.

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But that is simply because the West Africans have failed to replace a once famous quartet that may never ever be seen again.

The combo of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Laryea Kingston and Stephen Appiah was one that brought Ghana onto the world stage.

The quartet simply epitomized what midfield play was, with a combination of skill, power, pace and trickery.

Ghana’s rise to the pinnacle of African football between 2006 and 2010 was built on the midfield paring of the aforementioned players.

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It was, therefore, no surprise that the Black Stars’ debut qualification to the World Cup in 2006 came with “that” midfield at the heart of everything.

Michael Essien was simply unstoppable, with his buccaneering runs making sure Ghana’s midfield never lacked a driving force.

Stephen Appiah had the power and personality, and is still widely recognized as Ghana’s finest ever captain.

Laryea Kingston was not the quickest of wingers but he perfectly made up for it with his deft deliveries and crosses from the wings.

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Sulley Muntari was always an assured presence in the midfield, with a sublime shooting ability that many can only dream of.

It was indeed a golden era for the Black Stars, but unfortunately all of them are currently either retired or off colour.

For Ghanaians, though, they will always be remembered for their roles in the red, gold and green shirt.

Once upon a time Essien, Appiah, Laryea and Appiah were Ghana’s best midfield quartet. Read Full Story