World Cup 2026: Carlos Queiroz must build Black Stars midfield around Thomas Partey - Godwin Attram

Former Ghana international Godwin Attram has called on Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to maximise Thomas Partey's strengths by making the midfielder the focal point of Ghana's engine room ahead of their opening game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars begin their Group L campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17, with tough fixtures against England and Croatia to follow as Ghana targets a place in the knockout stages.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, Attram emphasised that Partey's impact at the tournament will depend largely on how he is deployed by the coaching staff.

The former midfielder believes Ghana should avoid burdening the Villarreal star with excessive defensive duties and instead allow him to dictate play from deeper central areas.

Attram suggested that Partey would thrive alongside a dynamic box-to-box midfielder capable of covering significant ground and providing defensive support.

"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."

The former Black Stars midfielder also pointed to Partey's leadership qualities, describing him as one of Ghana's key figures heading into the tournament.

"He is an experienced player and a strong personality. If things do not go well initially, he has the quality and character to respond."

Attram, who captained Ghana's Black Starlets to the final of the 1997 FIFA U-17 World Cup, also expressed concern about Ghana's build-up play following their recent friendly against Wales.

"One concern from the Wales game was our build-up play," he said. "Too often, the goalkeeper went long instead of initiating attacks through the back line."

Using Wales as an example, Attram praised their goalkeeper's role in possession and urged Ghana to adopt a similar approach.

"If you watch Wales, their goalkeeper regularly stepped into the build-up phase, almost like a libero."

According to Attram, Partey can play a vital role in addressing that weakness by serving as the link between defence and attack.

"Partey can help solve that problem," Attram explained. "He should be responsible for linking play, screening the defence and cutting out dangerous passes."

Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and faces a demanding group-stage schedule. After the clash with Panama, the Black Stars will take on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before rounding off their group campaign against Croatia on June 27.

Under Queiroz, Ghana will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.