Sunderland boss delighted with Ballon d'Or nod for Asamoah Gyan
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says he is delighted that striker Asamoah Gyan has been included in the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
The Ghana forward has joined the likes of Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi, Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba in the running to be named the best football player in the world.
Gyan, who joined Sunderland in the summer transfer window from French Ligue 1 Rennes outfit for a club record fee of over £13m, is one of just three British-based players to be included along with Drogba and Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal.
The 24-year-old came to prominence when he excelled for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He scored three goals in helping Ghana to reach the quarter-final stage at the tournament.
Bruce is over the moon that one of his players is being considered for such an illustrious accolade.
"He had a fantastic World Cup and a fantastic six months prior to that with his club in France. He is just starting with us, but it’s not often you get a Sunderland player being considered for World Player of the Year.
"When you look at the list, and there are only 23 on there, it is a fantastic achievement. There are only three players from the Premier League. It’s tremendous he has been thought of and a terrific accolade for him. Let’s see how he gets on.
"But for him to be one of the three Premier League players in the running for this award, it is a fantastic achievement for the kid. There’s no Englishman on it, which says a lot."
Gyan has featured in four league games for his new club, scoring once.
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