Asamoah Gyan. INSET: Abedi Pele
Soccer maestro Abedi Ayew Pele says he foresaw Asamoah Gyan’s potential long before he peaked in performance.
And like a seer, Abedi, considered as one of the continent’s legends, said he saw the former Sunderland’s man greatness the very first day he saw him gracing the turf.
Gyan, who until the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt was the Black Stars captain, is the country’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals.
The former Udinese striker is also the most capped Black Stars player with 109 appearances, having featured in seven AFCON’s and three World Cups.
Currently unattached, he has chalked up countless club successes, particularly in the Arab league.
The former Liberty Professionals man scored six goals in all his three World Cups to become top African goalscorer in the history of the competition.
But Pele, three-time Africa’s best, believes Gyan could have soared a notch higher for club and country taking into account his vast potential.
“Asamoah [Gyan] has done quite well. I saw him play and I knew he was going to be a great player. In the Black stars he has done very well but he could have done more.
“I knew he has the ability to score wonderful and immediately I saw him I was impressed. He has a bit of Tony Yeboah in him,” Pele told GTV Sports Plus.
Gyan, a few months ago, left Indian Super League outfit North East United FC.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum