Baba Rahman heads into Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations with the strongest overall statistics among the Black Stars’ left-back options following an impressive campaign with Greek side PAOK.
The experienced defender, who recently returned to the national team after nearly three years away, made 47 appearances during the 2025-26 season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
Rahman also helped PAOK keep 20 clean sheets and recorded some of the best defensive numbers among Ghana’s left-backs, finishing the season with 54 tackles, 43 interceptions, 93 clearances and 10 blocked shots.
The former Chelsea player is part of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming friendly against Wales as the Black Stars continue preparations for the World Cup in North America.
Gideon Mensah remains one of Rahman’s main competitors for the position after establishing himself as Ghana’s regular left-back during Rahman’s absence from the national team.
The Auxerre defender produced strong defensive statistics during the season, recording 59 tackles, the highest among the three players, alongside 30 interceptions and 73 clearances in 31 matches. Mensah also contributed two assists and helped his club keep nine clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Union Berlin defender Derrick Kohn delivered the strongest attacking numbers among Ghana’s left-back options.
The former Germany youth international registered 25 key passes, the highest total among the trio, while contributing one goal and three assists in 29 appearances.
Kohn also recorded 34 tackles, eight interceptions and 41 clearances while helping his side keep six clean sheets.
Although Kohn is not part of the current Black Stars squad for the Wales friendly, the Ghana Football Association has indicated that the squad is not final and adjustments could still be made before the tournament.
The statistics underline the different qualities available to Ghana ahead of the World Cup, with Rahman excelling defensively, Mensah providing consistency and Köhn offering greater attacking threat from the left side.
With Ghana set to face England, Croatia and Panama at the World Cup, the big question for Carlos Queiroz could be whether he prioritises defensive stability or attacking threat at left-back when the tournament begins.
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