Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng & four Ghanaian players involved in tough derbies in Europe this weekend

Oct 5, 2012 4:04:00 PM

Goal.com Ghana’s Umar-Farouk Atipaga takes a look at four Ghanaian players in Europe involved in derbies this weekend

SPECIAL
By Umar-Farouk Atipaga

The various European leagues as usual treated football fans to some delightful events and this weekend in particular, fans worldwide will be glued to their sets as the Spanish La Liga, the Serie A and the French Ligue 1 present mouth-watering fixtures.

Four Ghanaian players will be involved in those games and Goal.com Ghana brings you details of those games.

MICHAEL ESSIEN - REAL MADRID (SPAIN)

Match: Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Camp Nou, Sunday

The ‘Bison’ should be itching to taste the El-classico, arguably the biggest match at club level in the world. Essien joined Real Madrid on loan from Chelsea and has already given a good account of himself in the three matches he has played so far. The 29-year-od will certainly be called to duty by coach Jose Mourinho either as a starter or a substitute. Only a few African players have had this opportunity in Los Blancos colours in the past few years including Mahamadou Diara and Emmanuel Adebayor.

ANDRE AND JORDAN AYEW (OLYMPIC MARSEILLE)

Match: Marseille vs PSG - Stade Velodrome, Sunday

You might want to call it the French Classico and it will surely be a perfect description. PSG’s huge budget has made a strong side in France after the acquisition of so many high profile players. Marseille have started the season well and until last Sunday, they were unbeaten. Andre Ayew is an automatic starter and he should be very much charged after saying they don’t think about PSG. There was another report that claimed Andre Ayew has insisted he will never play for PSG. His younger brother, Jordan Ayew has proved himself this term both as a starter or a substitute. It is very obvious Marseille manager, Elie Baup will throw him into the game in the second half.

KEVIN-PRINCE BOATENG – AC MILAN (ITALY)

Match: AC Milan vs Inter Milan - San Siro, Sunday

The Derby della Madonnina or Milan derby remains one of the biggest football rivalries in the world. It could have been three Ghanaian players in action, but for Sulley Muntari’s injury and the fact that Inter Milan coach, Andrea Stramaccioni, may not give prodigy, Alfred Duncan the chance to play due to the nature of the game. As it stands now, Milan’s No. 10, Boateng is a sure bet and again, a lot will be expected of him in the heat of the Rossoneri midfield.

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