Editorial (January 19, 2017) – The Colorado Rapids have added 22-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Bismark “Nana” Adjei-Boateng to the roster. He will occupy an international roster spot. The Rapids signed him using Targeted Allocation Money. With this move, the Galaxy midfield could be set for the 2017 season.
New Signing Have Colorado Rapids Midfield Depth Set For 2017
Nana Boateng was under contract with Manchester City but has been on loan with Strømsgodset in Norway since 2012. He never made a senior team appearance with City. He played mostly a central role in Norway, scoring 16 goals in 85 appearances. He can play a No. 6 or a No. 8 role and prefers to be on the ball and moving into the attack.
The front office praised his technical ability: “Bringing Nana to the club was a key part of our offseason strategy and we’re delighted to welcome such a promising young talent to our club,” said Sporting Director Pádraig Smith. “He’s a powerful player with the drive and energy to be effective box to box. He possesses great technique and vision and influences the game on both sides of the ball.”
Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni also praised the player: “We are pleased to add a player with the quality of Nana to our roster. He has a deep understanding of the game and a lot of technical ability.”
It looks like Boateng could slot in next to Captain Sam Cronin in the midfield. He can play a central box-to-box role and get involved in the attack. Cronin and the Colorado defense can cover for him. He could help set up more scoring opportunities.
While the Rapids haven’t added any wingers or forwards other than Alan Gordon, Boateng could be a significant offensive signing. With the improvement of the young attacking players and Shkelzen Gashi getting more used to MLS, they could be set in the front four.
Boateng could be that threat out of midfield to help replace Jermaine Jones. They can have Michael Azira on the bench as a back up as well as Dillon Powers. This gives Mastroeni more options and variety in the midfield.
