Revenant Ahmed Awua shoring up Parma’s Primavera side

Ahmed AnkrahGhanaian youngster Ahmed Awua has recaptured his verve and that has burnished Parma’s Primavera (U19) squad.His back to top form boosted Parma’s chances in the Primavera 2 championship.Awua has been an integral part of coach Marcos Veronese’ set up since 2019, starting all 17 matches with three goals and two assists to his credit.But this season commenced with a challenge that almost shrivelled Awua’s confidence and got him questioning himself.He lost his starting spot in the team and made only camoes.The 19-year-old had high hopes ahead of the season when joined the Parma First Team for pre-season and featured in friendly matches.His intensity, tracking, tackling and competitiveness is endeared him to his senior colleagues.”I was a bit worried early in the season. I was in and out of the teams then I started playing from the bench. I begun to question myself. Asking what have I done? Because I played so well last season, this year was supposed to be a step up for me,” he said.”Those were testing moments for me, but I never lost the desire to work hard and give my best.”Awua got the opportunity to reclaim a place in the starting XI in January when Parma travelled to play against Vicenza.Parma had lost a couple of defenders to injuries so the Ghanaian was asked to fill in as an emergency centre back.Parma won by four goals to one. Awua put in a decent defensive display in an unfamiliar role.His scorecard had a rating of 6.5. The Drobo native has since helped to redefine Parma defensive identity.In eight matches that Ahmed Awua has started in defence, Parma have lost once.”I enjoy playing in the middle of the park. Because that’s my calling card. And I get contribute in attack with goals and assists.”Playing as a center back has also revealed other qualities of my game .Because In defence you have to be extra diligent and focus. You can’t lose concentration, that’s how teams punish you””It’s a plus for me to show I can play and adapt to different roles when it becomes necessary. I believe it will bode well for me in future. “Awua has been churning out consistent performances which has produced a turnaround in results for Parma.Yellow and Blues were sixth on the league table prior to his game against Vicenza, but are currently occupying 2nd position. His ratings has never fallen below 6.Last weekend against Cremonese, Awua was moved to the midfield in the second half to maximise his playmaking skills and proclivity to shoot from distant.His shot long range shot managed to snatch a point for Parma.Awua has been the captain of his side in the last eight fixtures.He added: “Being the captain and leader on the field means a lot to me. It speaks to my character and personality. I hate to lose, so I show a lot of hunger and desire in the pitch. “”But I believe the most important aspect of my leadership is communication. It’s so key in my relationship with my teammates. That’s what makes a leader influential.”By Richard Gyasi