Stephen Appiah
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Age: 31
Position: Forward
Country: Ecuador
Caps: 67
Goals: 29
Club: Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito
Previous clubs: El Nacional, Bacelona de Guayaquil, Necaxa, Southampton, Aucas
Estimated 'Chelsea-target' value: £1 million. |  |
Friday, 12, May 2006 12:15
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Country: Ghana
Caps: 39
Goals: 10
Club: Fenerbahce
Previous clubs: Hearts of Oak, Udinese, Parma, Brescia, Juventus
Estimated Chelsea-target value: £10 million but could rise this summer
In his own words: Every team will be difficult but we like challenges and we take this seriously.
Born on Christmas Eve in 1980, Stephen 'the tornado' Appiah had to wait just 16 years to play for his country. Fated across Ghana he is not just a captain but an unquestionable hero.
Starting his career at Acra's Hearts of Oak, Appiah quickly moved to the lucrative Italian League where he took on a nomadic life as he rattled through team after team. While doing so he won the Italian league and cup with different sides, and then left for another challenge with Fenerbahce.
For Ghana he has been the most consistent and impressive player of recent years, and he can use this World Cup to stake a claim to be his nation's greatest football legend. He was already among the best when he first wore the national shirt. His early call up also ended any fears he might defect to a European national side, though his commitment to his country is unquestionable.
When many players angered their countrymen with suspicious injuries ahead of the African Nations Cup, Appiah was not one of them. It is generally thought he would have turned up with his leg in plaster if he had to, and he would have played that way, and well.
However, Ghana come to the world cup after a poor showing at that ANC. Starting among the favourites they went out in the first round without a win. Much of the blame went to players who didn't turn up, but Appiah is desperate to right that wrong with at least one win in Germany.
A fierce competitor he is something of a box to box midfielder. He scores regularly for his clubs and country even when playing a defensive midfield role, and was Ghana's joint top scorer the qualifying stage. He reflects his side's team ethic and will be happy for any player able to outshine him, though that could take quite some doing.
Expect thunderous shots and tackles to catch your eye.
Gavin Pearson.