Posted: 2011-07-26 10:31 Liverpool legend John Barnes is backing Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan to improve on his first season's performance in England, because of his attitude. Barnes, on a trip to Accra, reckons the Ghanaian is not up to world class standard yet, but has been hugely impressed with the manner Gyan performed in his first season in England and believes he has what it takes to build on that. In a wide-ranging interview, to be aired on Thursday 10pm on Oti Adjei Report on TV3, the former Liverpool player says Gyan epitomises the good attitude that has seen Ghana blossom on the international scene. "He has been fantastic and he has had a good career, he is a very good player and adjusted straight away. He scored goals and showed his quality and that has a lot to do with his attitude. "A lot of the Ghanaian players have good attitude, good determination, good spirit. There are certain African countries with better individual players, but for me the Ghanaian players play with the right spirit, the right attitude, which are all part of the qualities you need to be a good footballer, because he works very hard. "You may say there are better players technically but in terms of what he gives to the team he has been sensational," Barnes says. Gyan managed double figures in his first season in England, following his £13-million move from Stade Rennes in England. Barnes thinks he can impress again. "It will be a bigger challenge but I think he is up to the challenge because of his commitment and desire. I know from watching him play for Ghana that he gives 100 % when he plays. "If you rest on your laurels after a first season, the second season will be a big challenge and he doesn't seem to be the kind of player to do that. He seems to be the kind of player who still has the desire to do what he has done and do it again."
John Barnes would certainly know all about resting on your laurels. Because after scoring that wonder goal against Brazil all those years ago he rarely if ever showed up again in an England shirt. Such a waste of his talents in my opinion.
I agree a decent assessment. I would add that I think John Barnes was the most overrated footballer I have ever seen.
Barnes wasn't used effectively by succesive England managers, which is why he never hit top form for England. You don't really believe that the likes of Ashley Cole, Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, Terry, Neville et al also rested on their laurels do you? The only reason John Barnes never performed consistently in an England shirt was because he was forced to play in a role that didn't suit him one bit.
