World Cup 2026: Godwin Attram urges Carlos Quieroz to build the team around Thomas Partey
Former Ghana international Godwin Attram has urged Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to make Thomas Partey the central figure in Ghana’s midfield as the team prepares for its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana begin their Group L campaign against Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field on 17 June before facing tougher tests against England and Croatia in a challenging group.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Attram said Partey’s influence at the tournament could be decisive, but only if he is used in a role that maximises his strengths.
The former Black Stars midfielder believes the Villarreal star should not be weighed down by excessive defensive responsibilities. Instead, he wants Partey positioned deeper in midfield, where he can dictate the tempo of games and serve as the link between defence and attack.
“The coach should pair him with an athletic, box-to-box midfielder who can cover ground,” Attram said.
“That would allow Partey to operate between the defensive and attacking lines, helping the team build from the back while also protecting the defence.”
Attram also highlighted Partey’s leadership qualities, describing him as one of Ghana’s most important players heading into the tournament.
“He is an experienced player and a strong personality,” he said. “If things do not go well initially, he has the quality and character to respond.”
While expressing confidence in Partey’s abilities, Attram admitted he was concerned by aspects of Ghana’s build-up play during their recent friendly against Wales.
“One concern from the Wales game was our build-up play,” he noted. “Too often, the goalkeeper went long instead of initiating attacks through the back line.”
He pointed to Wales as an example of how modern teams effectively use goalkeepers in possession, praising their ability to help construct attacks from deep.
“If you watch Wales, their goalkeeper regularly stepped into the build-up phase, almost like a libero,” Attram said.
According to Attram, Partey can help address that weakness by becoming the team’s primary link in possession.
“Partey can help solve that problem,” he explained. “He should be responsible for linking play, screening the defence and cutting out dangerous passes.”
Ghana are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and face a demanding schedule in Group L. Following the Panama encounter, the Black Stars will take on England at Gillette Stadium on 23 June before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia on 27 June.
Under Queiroz, Ghana will be hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
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