Jordan Ayew is worth way more than goals for us – Otto Addo

Otto Addo believes despite the recent goalscoring form of Jordan Ayew for the Black Stars, the Crystal Palace forward offers way more than goals.

The 32-year-old extended his tally for the Black Stars with a hat-trick on Monday night aiding Ghana to a nerve-wracking 4-3 victory over Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The hat-trick marked his 27th goal for Ghana while leading the way as the highest scoring player under Otto Addo who only oversaw his second competitive game as a substantive coach for Ghana.

• Jordan Ayew hat-trick sends Ghana top of Group I
• Jordan Ayew handed starting role in CAR game after Mali heroics

Speaking about Ayew’s form after the game, Otto Addo highlighted the striker’s versatility emphasising why he is deployed in different positions.

According to him, Ayew is capable of more than scoring and shouldn’t be judged on just his goals.

“I know that strikers are always judged by goals but he is a striker who can work defensively, and tactically very intelligent.”

“That’s is why sometimes you can use him as a winger because he closes everything down, he works hard and people don’t see this often.”

Jordan Ayew was honored yesterday for making 100 appearances for the Black Stars#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/iKYnVt0N4u

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 11, 2024

“He had good games but I read people say he didn’t score, he didn’t play well but for me, he plays well because defensive aspect are so important in football and if he’s doing all this and nobody sees it, is a shame.”

“But I’m happy for him, he plays number 9 because he can hold the ball, he has a good finish and has nous for goals.”

“Jordan Ayew is worth way more than goals for us” -Otto Addo#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/4y65AfXNYq

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 10, 2024

I play out of position – Jordan Ayew

Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew revealed after the game that he has been played out of his favourite position severally for both club and country but has refused to complain because he enjoys it.

“I’ve been playing out of position for quite some time in the national team and also at the club level. But I have always done my duty, put my country first, and never complained because I always give my all.”

While Ayew acknowledges his preference for the number 9 role, he understands the importance of utilising his versatility in different positions on the field.

• I have been playing out of position but I don’t complain – Jordan Ayew

“It’s difficult. It’s not something that I like to talk about, but obviously, my favourite position right from the academy, France, in the national team has always been as a number 9. But I understand because I have qualities that allow me to play in the pockets of spaces, and I don’t complain,” he added.

Jordan Ayew’s hat-trick which was complemented with another strike from Fatawu Issahaku propelled Ghana to top of Group I after four games.

The four-time African champions will wait for the results of other games to be sure of their position with six more matches to end the qualification series.