Kevin-Prince Boateng an unexpected boost for AC Milan

Having previously played for Milan between 2010 and 2013, Boateng began his second spell at the San Siro this month. It came after he had terminated his contract with Schalke by mutual consent, and impressed coach Sinisa Mihajlovic with his application in training.

Importantly, the 28-year-old continued that same work ethic after signing a new deal with the club. In turn, he is gradually being worked into the side and made his biggest contribution yet with the second goal in the 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Sunday.

The Ghanaian international faced many doubters when he was initially linked with a return to Milan, and rightly so given that he had encountered troubles in Germany and didn’t appear to be the same player that helped the club to a Serie A title in 2011.

However, he is progressively changing opinion and convincing his most ardent of detractors that perhaps the Rossoneri have made a great move in bringing him back.

Following Suso’s departure for Genoa, Mihajlovic needed an additional option to play behind the front line. Boateng had shown glimpses of his potential influence in his cameo appearance against Roma, but he displayed the biggest sign yet that he could have a big role to play this season against La Viola at the weekend.

“It’s such an important win,” he told the club website. “We can take confidence from [the draw with] Roma and [the cup win over] Carpi and now tonight. We are working well and this is beginning to show and be repaid.

“The coach prepared the team well. We know Fiorentina always have a lot of possession but we did well.”

As was the case in his first spell with the club, Boateng’s ability to combine a tireless defensive work-rate with posing an offensive threat in the final third can be very useful if used correctly.

His mentality and attributes are seemingly perfect to Mihajlovic’s strategy, and so it would come as no surprise if the midfielder grows into a regular first-team player over the next five months.

Gaining consistency and staying fit will now be the biggest factors in whether or not he will enjoy a successful return. Further movement in the transfer window is expected and so competition for places could yet increase at the San Siro, but that shouldn’t affect Boateng’s ability to be decisive.

It appears as though he will get that opportunity in the coming weeks, as he has struggled to find space in Mihajlovic’s current 4-4-2 system. With Carlos Bacca and M’Baye Niang preferred in a two-man frontline, coupled with the necessity of having a strong midfield that dominate in the middle of the park, Boateng has seen his chances somewhat limited.

However, that looks set to change soon as Mihajlovic specifically mentioned him when discussing a switch to his preferred 4-3-1-2 formation. “When we get Boateng, Jeremy Menez and [Mario] Balotelli back to full fitness, my idea is to play 4-3-1-2. For now we have to continue like this,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“I am happy for Prince and Mario, as today they proved that even not fully fit they can make the difference. ‘Boa’ trained really hard and deserves this. I am happier than him!”

After leaving the club in 2013, few would have envisaged Boateng becoming an important part of Milan’s squad again. However, despite the doubts and question marks, he could have a significant role to play between now and May as he continues to silence his critics.

credit: ESPN