'Football has changed completely' – Ex-Black Stars player Ahmed Barusso

Former Ghana international Ahmed Barusso has offered a fascinating perspective on how football has evolved since his playing days, drawing a clear line between the physicality of his era and the speed and power of the modern game.

In an exclusive interview, the former Roma and Ghana midfielder compared the two generations, insisting that while the stars of his time were exceptional, today's players operate in a completely different footballing landscape.

"During our time, football was more about physicality, but nowadays it is about speed and power. Players already know their roles," Barusso said.

"In our days, football was a bit more physique and stuff. Now, I think it's about speed and power, which is different. More of technique. Nowadays it's a different ball game altogether. Players are talented already. They know how to do a lot of things already."

Barusso observed that modern football often hinges on individual brilliance, with a single player capable of changing the course of a match through sheer talent.

"Sometimes a game might be won by a player. Only one player does everything to make it possible. Even though he doesn't play alone, he plays with others, but you see someone do something for something to happen."

The former Ghana international was careful not to compare today's stars to the generation he played alongside, which included the likes of Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, and Stephen Appiah.

"So our time of the game is different from now, so I can't say I see players like me, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan or Stephen Appiah are on the pitch. No, we are different players altogether."

Barusso, who earned 10 caps for Ghana, also reflected on his own international career, acknowledging that he never had the chance to play a full 90 minutes for the Black Stars but remained grateful for the opportunities he received.

"I can't say much because I didn't play a 90-minute game. All the games I played, I had to come on as a sub. It wasn't bad. And the Nations Cup game against Cameroon, I came in. It wasn't bad. And some of the friendly games we played. In France against Morocco, when I scored, they were all games that were important."

He concluded with a measured perspective on the realities of national team football.

"But well, it's a national team, and we are many. Not all of us will get the opportunity to play."

Barusso, who scored on his Ghana debut in a friendly against Morocco in 2007, remains one of the most unique figures of his generation — a gifted midfielder whose impact was felt despite limited minutes on the pitch.

His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the evolution of the game and the camaraderie of one of Ghana's most celebrated eras.