The former Ghana international believes the Atletico Madrid star can step into the shoes of Asamoah Gyan as the Black Stars skipper
Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien claims Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Teye Partey has the potentials to succeed Asamoah Gyan as Black Stars captain.
The 24-year-old has been acting as captain in the interim since last year, following injuries to Gyan and Andre Ayew, who recently joined Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Under Partey’s captaincy Ghana have played five games without any defeat.
According to Essien, Party can fill the void once coach Kwesi Appiah officially declares the roll vacant.
“There are good players in the national team but I think Thomas Partey is doing great and he can lead the team [if Asamoah Gyan retires],” Essien told TV3.
“He is doing wonderful things with his club and the national team as well. He has captained the national team on few occasions and I think he will be a good leader,” he added.
Essien, who boasts of 58 international caps with the Black Stars, was tipped to lead the national team after Stephen Appiah retired but injuries hindered his chances.