Anthony Annan

Anthony Annan (born July 21, 1986 in Accra) is a Ghanaian Ghana national football team footballer who plays for Norway club I.K. Start. He is an all-action box-to-box Midfielder who is very comfortable playing offensively or defensively.

Nicknamed Pablo Aimar in comparison to the Argentine national midfield superstar, Annan combines immense skill with a physical presence that complements his average height. Similar in style to Ghanaian midfield Superstar Michael Essien of Chelsea F.C., Annan is touted as the next big thing to come out of Africa into Europe. He signed for the Norwegian club I.K. Start in January 2007 and has quickly established himself as a first team regular, after a very promising career in Ghana with local club Accra Hearts of Oak.

At Accra Hearts of Oak, Annan was regarded as the best young midfielder in Ghana. He combined midfield artistry with some goal scoring skills, and endeared himself to many football fans in Ghana. Anthony Annan joined Accra Hearts of Oak from Sekondi Hasaacas FC in the 2005/2006 league season.

A Junior and Olympic International for Ghana national football team, Annan received his first senior call up for the national team on 20 March 2007 as a direct injury replacement for Michael Essien for Ghana's FIFA International friendlies against Austria national football team and Brazil national football team in 2007. His first cap came against Brazil on March 27, 2007 at the Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden when Ghana lost 0-1.