Ema Boateng Steps In For Dylan Borrero: "He Did An Outstanding Job"

The veteran earned his third straight start

May 7, 2023

With Dylan Borrero out for the season, the New England Revolution will need to look for a replacement for the winger. With the transfer window currently shut, the team will have to look internally for options as they potentially wait to make a move. Ema Boateng got his first chance to stake his claim against Toronto FC.

The 29-year-old played 84 minutes in the win against Toronto. Boateng completed 89 percent of his passes along with 51 touches and four recoveries. His service was once again quality and he played a key role in the second goal of the game.

While Boateng had some shaky moments including being dispossessed twice, it was a solid performance and one that Bruce Arena was pleased with.

“[Boateng] played very well,” Arena said. “His pace was a factor in the game. I think he played against a very good player in [Richie] Laryea and kept him at home for good parts of the game. Ema also defended very well. Ema’s pace on both sides of the ball was an important part of our team tonight and he did an outstanding job.”

With New England defending a lead for the majority of the game, Boateng did a quality job tracking back and helping out the back line. Working with Boateng on the left flank, DeJuan Jones also noticed the veteran’s defensive effort.

“Ema [Boateng] was great,” Jones said. “He's done a really good job. We know he's going to put in good service but also on the defensive end, he's working really hard. We have good communication and I think he did a really good job on both sides of the ball tonight. Even leading into the second goal, he puts in good cross to Carles [Gil], and then I was able to finish that one. Ema had a really good game again.”

While it would make sense for New England to try and acquire a player of a similar caliber of Borrero, Boateng displays how deep the Revs roster is. Whenever a player goes down the next man is able to step up and do their job.

Whether it be off the bench or in the starting XI, Boateng is able to use his speed and skill to make an impact. It’s no surprise that Arena brought him back for the 2023 season but it is surprising that no other MLS team recognized the value that the winger brings. he is proving those doubters wrong so far this year.