His Name is Prince

Ghaly goes for £3M and the self-proclaimed Ghetto Kid, Kevin Prince Boateng, is in for around £5M.

I called him a quintessential Levy signing in a previous blog.

‘Young, athletic and decent re-sale value’. If his knees hold up of course. And I’m quite happy to be surprised that unlike the Giles Barnes rumours, this one has been followed through and completed. In fact, I’m certain that because of Barnes refusal to leave Derby, Boateng has signed as the continental equivalent.

Boateng, Taarabt, Kaboul, Rose and Bale. Not a bad collection of talented youngsters. But still no left-winger.

So Boateng. What do we get for our money?

Strength on the ball, pace and vision are arguably his strong points. Playing in an advanced role at Hertha, he is an offensive central midfielder. Unlike Jenas, he actually has confidence that sometimes borders on arrogance. Not quite sure of him playing a deeper ‘Carrick’ style role that some are suggesting he might, but apparently has the ability to do just that. Does so for the national side, patrolling just in front of the back four, dictating the pace of the game.

Hmmm…this player sounds a little too complete, doesn’t he? Although I’d stop short for now that he is Germanys natural heir to Michael Ballack.

Depth with (potential) quality is something we now have in abundance. Although whether all these young players bought will be first teamers or backups remains to be seem though I’m looking forward to most of them turning out for the Carling Cup.

I’m quite content with this signing. Shocked that we recovered it after it looked dead.

Well done Damien Comolli.