3 reasons why Kevin-Prince Boateng can be a useful player to Barcelona

Barcelona are well known when it comes to surprising people with their exploits in the transfer market. After surprising signings like that of Arturo Vidal and Malcom during the summer transfer window, the Catalans have come back to it once again with another controversial signing.

Ghanaian international Kevin-Prince Boateng is the latest superstar to switch to the Nou Camp this winter. The striker, who joined the Blaugrana on an initial loan deal from Sassuolo with the option to make the deal a permanent one in the summer, was unveiled as a Barcelona player on Tuesday, with mixed reactions as football fans and journalists took turns to criticize the move.

At 32, it is easy to see why many are frustrated at Barcelona's decision to sign the former Las Palmas superstar. However, Boateng is a player who still has a lot to offer and below are 3 reasons why he could be a useful player to Ernesto Valverde and Barcelona:

---

#3 Skillset

Boateng excels at doing many things

While it is true that Barcelona have not signed Kevin-Prince Boateng to be a starter at the Nou Camp just as the player himself revealed during his unveiling, there is no doubt the former Sassuolo superstar is capable of playing an influential role at the Catalan capital.

Boateng will add a bit of physicality and aggressiveness to Barcelona's attack and just like Luis Suarez, he is capable of pressing opposition defenders and troubling goalkeepers with or without the ball at his feet.

The Ghanaian is also a specialist when it comes to holding on to the ball, linking up with teammates and combining to launch threatening attacks. Boateng might not be among the top finishers in Europe right now but he does know how to score fantastic goals at vital moments and there is no doubt he will help Barcelona a lot as the season moves on.

#2 Versatility

The attacker can also function in several areas of the pitch

Before Barcelona decided to lure Boateng to the Nou Camp this winter, many things were put into consideration. One aspect of his game that actually convinced the Catalan giants to sign him is his ability to impress in multiple roles and positions on the football pitch.

The Ghanaian is a highly versatile player who has played in several positions in his career. He started as a central midfielder before moving into a more offensive midfield role. After impressing as an attacking midfielder, he also played as a supporting striker, a striker as well as a winger.

During his time at Sassuolo this term, Boateng was deployed as a false-nine and he impressed in the role bagging 5 goals and 2 assists for the Serie A side in 15 appearances before leaving for the Nou Camp. With great versatility, the attacker will give Ernesto Valverde plenty of options.

#1 Experience

Having played in several leagues across Europe, the attacker has gathered plenty of experience

The signing of Kevin-Prince Boateng from Sassualo will help Ernesto Valverde and Barcelona immensely this season due to a number of factors and one of these crucial factors is his experience.

The attacker has gathered a lot of experience during his career, having represented several clubs across several leagues in Europe including the likes of Hertha Berlin, Borussia Dortmund, Portsmouth, AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, Schalke 04, to mention just a few.

It comes as a huge gain for Barcelona as the attacker is already familiar with Spanish football, having lined up for La Liga rivals La Palmas at one stage of his career. As a result, Boateng will not face the problem of adapting to the division while the experience he gathered during his time in other divisions will help the Catalan giants in the UEFA Champions League.