Hertha Berlin manager Felix Magath has tasked Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng to play a leading role in the club's battle for survival in the Bundesliga.
The 34-year-old, who returned to the Olympiastadion in the summer transfer window, has been influential in the last three games as the capital based club amassed seven points to go four points clear off the drop.
However, the Old Ladies need a win against Mainz O5 on Saturday to survive the drop.
"Prince is the decisive factor in the important games. His skills are now in demand. He has to lead us to stay up in the league," he to BZ Berlin.
"Prince can lead the team, brings structure, directs his team-mates, advances - the last few games have shown that impressively.
“From day one I wanted Prince to be on the pitch in the finals. That's why I initially left him on the bench against teams with strong play. The risk of injury was too great. He should convince against Augsburg, Stuttgart and Bielefeld. And he did!”
Felix Magath's has a special relationship with Boateng dating back to when the Ghanaian started his career in Germany. Magath reveals Boateng is his son's favourite player.
“My son has a Ghanaian national team jersey from Boateng hanging on the wall. He's always liked the way he played," he added.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has made 14 Bundesliga appearances since joining the club frim AC Monza.