HIRAM BOATENG

AGE: 21 CLUB: Northampton (on loan from Crystal Palace) POSITION: Centre midfield VALUE: £450,000 2016-17 APPS: 27 (15 for Northampton) GOALS: 0

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

THIS strong, muscular midfielder — very much left-sided — was a powerful figure in a game I saw. In an experienced midfield he was the youngest player but he was not fazed, wanting the ball at every opportunity. He seemed to relish the chance to be playing League football, bearing in mind he had little experience of this at his parent club. His only first-team football has come from loan spells, including a stint at Bristol Rovers earlier this season. Boateng used the ball well and was aware of his defensive responsibilities. His assets are his power, passing and his confidence to beat an opponent when necessary. He does not over-do this, playing simply but effectively with accuracy from his left foot. He probably sees himself as a playmaker but has enough strength to impose himself more. This loan is his fourth and Northampton will help his maturity — but he has to make his mark soon.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

HE WILL have to learn some of the subtleties of the game, like running off the ball without looking to receive it in order to make space for others. I would also like to see him move into more goalscoring positions, as this does not seem to be his strength at the moment. He will certainly need to look at this side of his game. On one occasion when I watched him, he was caught by the opposition’s movement in the centre of the pitch and didn’t respond quickly enough — he was ball watching. However this was a minor aberration as he does not look the lazy type. Palace manager Sam Allardyce will be getting regular reports. In Boateng, he may have a player to give his team some real energy. The player looks to have a quiet confidence without any signs of a conceited attitude. If he can add goals to his game as an attacking midfielder, he could yet become a senior player.