Jerome Boateng is not the biggest fan of fancy paraphrases. There are certainly similarities to be drawn between his style of play and his way of communicating. Boateng speaks with his mouth how he plays with his feet: straight forward, and with precision. In the summer of 2015, the Germany international had an experience which many would have considered the highlight of their lives so far. In a recent interview, he revealed that he was a guest at rapper Jay-Z’s house. The man with ten consecutive number-one albums in the USA, and more than 100 million sold tracks. Jay-Z has won more Grammys than Bastian Schweinteiger has German titles, and his wife, Beyoncé is quite well known as well.
It might be fair to assume that even Boateng would see the term ‘Superstar’ as appropriate for Jay-Z. The Germany international was then asked what the encounter was like and how we can imagine Jay-Z’s lifestyle. Boateng answered: "He lives in a big, nice house." So that’s cleared up then. We needn’t worry about Jay-Z anymore; the assumption that he lives in a tiny, ugly house has hereby been refuted.
Boateng speaks highly of New York and "could imagine living there"
Boateng would perhaps have elaborated, were he interested in status and wealth. But he didn’t. He treats the whole hysteria surrounding the footballing business with a fair amount of scepticism. For him, the only positive aspect that comes with his fame is that it allows him to use his funds and his name to do good for others. In Boateng’s eyes, the American rapper is neither rich, nor successful, nor famous. Boateng views Jay-Z first and foremost as what he is – a human. "For me it’s about the person, not his possessions," said Boateng. "We got along really well, and chatted about lots of different things."
The time spent in USA does prove nonetheless that the Berlin-born player has come a long way. Boateng was on holiday in America, but also to see how much potential the brand ‘Boateng’ has in the USA. The defender had a good time on his travels. He said: "It is a different culture, everything’s a bit bigger. New York or L.A, they’re fantastic places, not even comparable with European towns. There’s so much to do, no matter how old you are." The Big Apple impressed him especially. "New York is an absoloute dream for me,” he said, "I could really imagine living there myself at some point."
Volland on Boateng: "Best centre back in the world"
In the distant future in Munich, there is no need to worry. At FC Bayern, the situation is such that every player is replaceable. For Boateng, however, this is not the case. Among other qualities, one aspect of Boateng’s game is imperative to the team. Boateng is there when he is needed the most. He regularly puts in his best performances in the right games. The Champions League final 2013 was one of these games, as was the World Cup final 2014. Manager Pep Guardiola is always full of praise for the central defender, a great example of which was: "Jerome is a top bloke and a top, top player. He is young, quick, fantastic on the ball, with his right and his left. He’s got it all, including a big personality."
Such praise is not only to be heard from colleagues; ahead of the game in Hoffenheim on Saturday, TSG’s Germany international Kevin Volland was asked in an interview for the club website which Bayern player impresses him the most. The forward was free to choose from the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Müller, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben... But he chose a defender. Kevin Volland chose Jerome Boateng. "Jerome Boateng is the one who stands out for me," said Volland: "He’s got an enormous presence, and his build-up play is exceptional. For me, he is the best centre back in the world."
Boateng: "I can’t afford to rest"
The player doesn’t let it go to his head; he knows to evaluate his performances. Praise does not alter the way he views himself. With all his success, Boateng has remained hungry for more. A lot needs to happen, before he is satisfied. In answer to the question on a permanent place in the starting XI, Boateng said: "Every player has to work for that, me too. I need to keep performing just like everyone else, and I need to keep improving. I can’t afford to rest, you can’t at FC Bayern."
Bayern’s strength in depth should act as a reminder for the players. There are moments when even Boateng shows signs of reverence, for instance when reading the names of his teammates. "It really is something special." He said, "Especially when I think back to how I made it into the team as a young man from Berlin." The Berlin boy has come a long way, and intends to go even further. He no longer categorically rejects answering any questions on more responsibility or even captaincy. In a recent interview he shared his opinions on the matter, not very wholeheartedly, but in sufficient detail. "It’s a special role, one which I could imagine having one day. The same applies to the national side. If it comes to that, I’ll be proud. But I don’t need it to get through to my teammates."
