Timothy Fosu-Mensah for Ghana?

By Herbert BOAKYE-YIADOM,Accra.
An 18-year old Netherlands –born Ghanaian international showcased his rich football skills and talent when he made his debut for the Manchester United senior team against Watford at the Old Trafford in the Barclays English Premier league just last week.
And the good news is that Timothy-Fosu Mensah currently the captain for the Netherlands U-19 team is still eligible to play for the senior national soccer team the Black Stars of Ghana, since he has not made his debut for the Netherlands senior team.
However, the young man’s father, Paul Evans Fosu- Mensah, has said emphatically that the decision to play for the Black Stars squarely lies with his son.
He explained that unlike in Ghana, where parents have a role in the choice of their wards’ career, it is different ball game in Europe. “I can only guide and direct him but I cannot make a choice for him as he has numerous options available to him now.
Fosu-Mensah joined Manchester United youth side on a fee of £ 300000 from Ajax Amsterdam youth side in the summer of September 2, 2014.
A natural center –back, he can play in both full back positions and in front of the defence, Fosu-Mensah adheres to the Dutch traditions of being technically excellent with the ball.
He also has a good pace and the kind of attitude that could see him emerge as a leader as his career develops.
The Ghanaian-Holland international represented his country of birth for 4 years, and featured for the Netherlands’ U15s at the age of 13 before he became a regular starter at U16s and U17s.
In his first game for Manchester United he was highly praised by the manager,” I think, because of his speed, I was very pleased that he was on the pitch. He wanted to be changed early in the second half because he picked up a knock but I left him stay on because he always closed the door for us”.
United U21 boss Warren Joyce also said: “ He is a real gem. If you are looking for footballers, you’ve got to look at what their real strengths are. He played at the back for us and, in the first game against Salford, he was arguably at fault with their three goals.
“He could stay there as he’s played there and in holding midfield for his country, the Netherlands, but you have to look at his strengths and what else he can offer the team.
“We’ve got to hone his strengths as well so he ultimately he can selected for the first team.”
The hugely talented and highly-rated 18-year old was, born to Ghanaian immigrant parents in the Netherlands and has represented the country of his birth but could still feature for the Black Stars at the senior level if he switches nationality.