Reuben Obodai runs the rule on nine Ghanaian players whose club suffered relegation heartache.
The experienced midfielder joined his old pal, Clarence Seedorf at Depor during the January transfer window on a short term deal to help them escape the relegation doldrums.
However, the former AC Milan enforcer has failed to command starting berth in the struggling side – having made eight appearances, six starts and two substitute appearances – which sums to 409 minutes of action and picked three bookings out of eight games.
The 84-capped Ghana international returned from a two-week injury to warm the bench in their 4-2 loss against Villarreal last Saturday.
Deportivo sit 18th position with 29 points from 37 matches.
ANDY YIADOM (Barnsley)
Yiadom’s Barnsley were always fighting against the drop since the departure of manager Paul Heckingbottom.
The 26-year-old right back was heavily tipped to carry the Tykes through to the season following his electric performance during their promotion winning campaign in League One – where he became one of the most sought after players in the top flight league.
Yiadom was handed the armband in the latter part of the campaign in a bid to lure him stay at the club.
However, he suffered a back injury just two games into the season, missing seven games in the process.
The former Barnet recovered in September but then the club was struggling to churn out good result – which forced Paul Heckingbottom to depart and join Leeds United.
He amassed 33 appearances and managed to provide 3 assists.
Barnsley finished in 22nd position after picking 41 points.
STEFFEN NKANSAH (Eintracht Braunschweig)
Braunschweig were one of the teams touted to make a return to the Bundesliga following last term’s remarkable campaign – where they came a whisker from booking a top flight ticket – only to be beaten by VfL Wolfsburg in the playoffs.
It was one of the most disappointing campaigns for the German-born Ghanaian defender.
However, the season went wrong from the onset for club after picking just four wins in the first 18 games.
The 22-year-old is highly rated at Braunschweig, but the season did not turn out to be one he imagined after his season was ravaged with injuries.
Nkansah was only able to manage seven appearances – four as a starter and three from the substitute bench.
JOSEPH BAFFO (Eintracht Braunschweig)
Baffo is the second Ghanaian in the beleaguered Braunschweig team.
The Swedish-born guardsman joined the club in 2015 and quickly became a mainstay with his consistent performances.
Baffo played a key role during the season they qualified to the playoffs – where they lost by 1-0 on aggregate to VfL Wolfsburg.
The 25-year-old was one of the key factors behind the club’s demise to the third-tier league after missing chunk of the season on the treatment table.
Baffo will surely leave the club after failing to extend his deal, which will expire in June.
KAMAL ISSAH (Genclerbirligi)
The former Liberty Professionals midfielder could command regular starting berth in a side that is always struggling to churn out good results.
Issah managed 23 appearances for the Youth but only started 14 of them as the rest were cameo appearances.
The 25-year-old came from the bench at half time in their game against Kasimpasa but he failed to impart on the game as they lost 3-1 – which effectively ended Umit Ozat’s side stay in the top flight league.
ELVIS MANU (Genclerbirligi)
The Dutch-born forward never endeared himself to the club’s faithful after failing to hit the ground running following his switch in the summer from Brighton.
Manu struggled with continuity following niggling injuries but has managed to score five goals and registered two assists to his credit.
The 24-year-old could tap in a goal or two in the final match of the due to his recent upsurge of form but the truth of the matter is, he’s been below his standards.
JORDAN AYEW (Swansea City)
The skilful forward will be disappointed with his side’s performance but will be delighted with his overall display during the campaign.
The former Olympique Marseille was one of the six Swans players who made more appearances – having appeared 45 times in an abysmal season.
It’s no fluke that the 26-year-old swoop every available award during their end of the season honuoring party. He finished the season as their top scorer with 11 goals in all competitions.
He is unlikely to go down with them in the Championship after reports linking him to Liverpool emerged in the tabloids last week.
Carlos Carvalhal stated before their crunch clash against Stoke City that, the club would be sitting somewhere safe had the sleek striker not missed three games through suspension.
Swansea finished the season on 18th spot with 33 points after 38 games.
ANDRE AYEW (Swansea City)
They say second coming in football always doesn’t end well and that’s exactly what Andre faced at Swansea City.
Ayew rejoined Swansea City during the winter transfer amidst joy from their supporters.
Following his move back to the Welsh-based side, Andre did not make any meaningful impact to change the fortunes of the club despite featuring 12 times.
The 28-year-old failed to hit the back of the net but recorded two assists to his credit as the club ended their seven-year stay in the top flight league.
He finished the season with 3 goals – however, all was for West Ham United.
Swansea finished the season on 18th spot with 33 points after 38 games.
DAVID ATANGA (St. Polten)
With two matches to go, St. Polten are resigned to losing their top flight status as they are languishing at the bottom of the log with only 14 points.
Even if they clinch six points from their next games, they cannot match the points tally of 9thplaced side AC Wolfburger, who have collected 26 points from 33 games.
Atanga, who joined the club on loan from Red Bulls Salzburg, is an undisputed starter for the club with his consistent performances.
The 21-year-old has netted 4 goals in 12 appearances.
Credit: GHANAsoccernet.com
