‘Stop playing Inaki Williams out of position; play him from the right’ — Augustine Arhinful to Chris Hugton

Former Ghanaian international footballer, Augustine Arinful has voiced his concern over the deployment of Inaki Williams in the Black Stars and urged the national team's coach, Chris Hughton, to reconsider his position.

Inaki Williams, who switched his international allegiance from Spain to Ghana last year, has become a regular player for the senior national team.

However, he has struggled to find the net for the Black Stars despite his impressive performances at Athletic Bilbao, where he scored 10 goals in 36 appearances during the previous season.

During the recent international window, Inaki Williams faced criticism for his performance in Ghana's crucial match against the Central African Republic.

He was eventually substituted for Antoine Semenyo, who made a positive impact, helping Ghana secure a crucial victory and book their spot in the next Africa Cup of Nations.

In contrast to his international struggles, the 29-year-old forward returned to club duty with Athletic Bilbao and found the back of the net against Cadiz over the weekend, marking his second goal in five appearances in La Liga.

Augustine Arhinful, while analysing Inaki Williams' challenges with the Black Stars compared to his club form, suggested that the national team should consider playing him in a different position that aligns with his strengths.

"The handlers of the national team should identify a proper position to play him because his club does not play him as a centre forward," Arhinful stated in an interview with Graphic Sports.

Arhinful further elaborated on his point by referencing Inaki Williams' typical role at Athletic Bilba, "I wish Coach Chris Hughton had watched Inaki yesterday. Most of the time he plays from the right, or when his brother, Nico, is playing, they interchange positions from left to right."

He concluded by expressing his belief that Inaki Williams is currently being played out of position in the Black Stars, emphasising that he has never been a traditional centre-forward.

“He is not receiving the necessary services in the Black Stars. I believe he is being played out of position because in Bilbao he plays from the flanks. He has never been the centre person to strike so the coach should identify where he can play and fit him,” he added.