Monday, July 19, 2010

Andre Ayew: Five Reasons He Should Stay at Marseille

Ghanaian winger Andre Ayew was one of the three FIFA nominees for the Best Young Player of the Tournament award in the World Cup Football 2010 because of his excellent showing in South Africa. He played a very big role behind Ghana’s progress to the quarter final in the tournament.

So, it is natural that the Olympique Marseille prodigy has attracted interests from a number of European clubs. Arsenal has reportedly made a £5 million bid, while Birmingham City is ready to spend £5.5 million for the 20-year-old midfielder. Some Bundesliga clubs are also interested to secure his service.

As a son of football legend Abedi Pele, Andre Ayew got the instant limelight in the media. However, he made his name himself by showing his talent and skill as a creative player while representing Ghana at U-20 level. He captained Ghana to win the 2009 African Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Now, Andre Ayew has impressed with his World Cup 2010 performance too and there are many who believe Andre is going to become the next African legend.

However, his club form is not yet satisfactory. He is still far away from cementing his place at Marseille regular line up. Andre spent the last two seasons away at Lorient and Arles-Avignon on loan. With Arles-Avignon, he showed some improvement last season and helped the team to get promotion to Ligue 1.

Overall, it seems it is not the right time Andre Ayew should consider a move away from Marseille. There are at least five reasons he should consider and stay at the French club for at least two or 3 more years.


First of all, Andre Ayew needs to get matured with time and continue his improvement and gradually try to push himself up in Marseille pecking order, before moving to a new club. If needed, he must spend one more season on loan at a lesser known club where he can get more first team football. The main thing is attaining maturity and experience, and thus, getting prepared to make impact at Marseille.

Secondly, he should realize that he is not yet a £10 million-rated player. So, his only focus should now be rising to that level before making a move. An untimely move could end up in a disaster in the formative years of his career and that would not help him in his pursuit of becoming a world class player.

Thirdly, at Marseille, Andre Ayew would not be under pressure after few poor performances, because the club officials and fans are already very much aware of his talent and potential. He spent two years at the club’s youth sides before making his professional debut in 2007. So, he has already become a club boy and handling the pressure would be much easier at Marseille than at a new club.


Fourthly, moving to a top European club could be extra pressure on his shoulder. Expectation from him would be huge and two or three failures would double the pressure. It would not be easy for Andre to handle that much pressure at this age, and so at a new environment.

Finally, Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is reportedly interested
to give more focus on young players and bring more young faces in
the squad. So, Ayew does not need to worry about his first team
football. Rather, he should remain confident and positive knowing that he would get his chance, if he can perform well.

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