Kevin-Prince Boateng: A wildcard that can improve Barcelona



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From Las Palmas to Eintracht Frankfurt via Sbaduolo, few people would have predicted a move to a big club for Kevin-Prince Boateng, especially at the age of 31. However, Barcelona has surprisingly signed a loan with Boateng until the end of the month. the season with an option to buy for 8 million euros.

The Blaugrana had three requirements for a new front: an experience in La Liga, cheap and willing to sit on the bench. Boateng ticks the three boxes. Boateng, who plays as a midfielder and sometimes, as an attacker, can only make this side of Barcelona better and here's why.

kevin prince boateng shout

Versatility

Kevin-Prince Boateng was deployed as offensive midfielder for much of his career, which he was going to say goodbye after meeting De Zerbi – Sbaduolo's coach.

De Zerbi was convinced that even though Boateng had spent most of his career playing offensive midfielder, he could be used effectively as a fake.

"It's a total footballer," said Sbaduolo's coach before the start of the season. "He can play any role and playing in this position on the front, he is able to lift the entire team."

These words of De Zerbi proved to be prophetic. The Ghanaian international scored his first goal in Coppa Italia before finding the back of the net three times in his first five outings in Serie A.

It is interesting to note that Boateng has never been a clinical player since the former AC Milan player has just achieved a double figure once in his illustrious career. That's only during the 2016/2017 La Liga season that he scored 10 goals for Las Palmas. Including a goal against Real Madrid at Bernabeu and another deserves the goal of the title of the season against Villareal. Quique Setién, then coach of Las Palmas, deployed Boateng as an ephemeral attacker and the latter repaid Setién's trust in him.

Boateng was chosen as a substitute for Luis Suarez. Matches followed one another in the second half of the season. Boateng, who has the ability to play as a midfielder and as an attacker, is another offensive option for coach Ernesto Valverde, while Barcelona remains in contention for the Spanish league, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

In tight and difficult matches, Boateng can influence matches on the bench with his technical skill and his sense of the unexpected. Its versatility also means that it can provide coverage for the midfield and attack positions. For the moment, his role at Camp Nou is perhaps to serve as a duplicate to Luis Suarez but, knowing Boateng, he will certainly play an important role in the Barcelona season.

"I know I will not be able to play often, but I'm ready to work for the team every time I'm called. I hope to impress enough to stay longer at Barca. Said Kevin-Prince Boateng to the press.

Aptitude

Boateng is a fast, dynamic, physically strong and well-balanced midfielder, known for his aggression, sense of purpose, long range shooting ability, flair, pace, juggling skill with balls and his dribble. Versatile and tenacious player, his game is particularly dependent on "strength, power and energy".

It can produce the pace of work, the recovery of the ball and the willingness to attack a midfielder. It combines technical skill and speed of action, which makes it more dangerous. According to a profile published in 2014 on the official FIFA website, Boateng was "endowed with strength, speed, killer instinct in front of goal and an unusual flamboyance in the offensive third. ".

Boateng has been used in many midfield posts throughout his career, but he usually plays center-stage in a box-to-box role as an attacking or attacking midfielder; He was also deployed as a false midfielder, second striker, and even winger on occasion, during his stay in Milan. With Las Palmas and Sbaduolo, he was also deployed in a more advanced central attack role, essentially positioning himself as an isolated attacker, but actually functioning as a fake 9, due to his ability to go deep, to connect with midfielders and creating space for his other attacking teammates with his move off the ball.

In addition to his ability to play, Boateng is known for his acrobatic goal celebrations and often celebrates goals scored with a backflip. He celebrated the AC Milan win by dressing up as Michael Jackson and demonstrating his incredible talent as a dancer. His former coach from Eintracht Frankfurt, Niko Kovač, also congratulated Boateng for his leadership, stating: "Kevin gives the team a sense of stability, both mentally and physically," also describing him as a warrior".

Prince Boateng

Experience

With only six months to defend himself, Kevin-Prince Boateng knows that he has to take the lead. The environment of a highly anticipated club, Club Blaugrana, will put a lot of pressure on new players. The pressure that Boateng would savor because he's used to the big stage. Aged 31, he played in 10 clubs before joining FC Barcelona. He has played for teams such as Tottenham Hotspurs, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Schalke 04. Indeed, he is running for the title of companion of the 21st century.

These clubs have given Boateng the opportunity to compete in some of the most prestigious competitions in the world, including the UEFA Champions League – a competition Barcelona is looking forward to winning this year. Of course, Barcelona fans do not want to hear the name of Boateng and the Champions League together, as the Ghanaian international has scored twice against Barcelona in the competition while playing for AC Milan. A sign that he can do it on the big stage.

Prince Boateng

Speaking of big steps, there is no bigger step than the World Cup, at least in terms of football. In 2010, Kevin-Prince Boateng played an influential role as Ghana tied an African record by reaching the quarter-finals. Faced with the United States in the round of 16, Boateng recovered the ball on the center line and pioneered his opponents before scoring a shot from the left foot out of the box. repair. His outstanding performances in World Cup have earned him to be transferred from Portsmouth to AC Milan, where he won the 2010-2011 A Series and the 2011 Supercoppa Italiana.

Conclusion

The transfer of Kevin-Prince Boateng to Barcelona has shocked the world, including the Ghanaian international, but he has a chance to make an impact. Although the 31-year-old has already been injured 29 times since 2009. In form, his ability to play midfield and attack, combined with his extensive experience, can only help improve FC Barcelona. With the games coming up by May, Kevin Prince Boateng should not only ease Luis Suarez's burden, but also make a substantial contribution to the team.

By: Owuraku Ampofo | Joy Sports

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