The stats don't lie. Kevin Prince Boateng's Camp Nou experience has not been as successful as he would have dreamed of when he landed at Barcelona airport on Jan. 22.

Things could not have started quicker. Enresto Valverde started him after just one training session in the Copa del Rey game at Sevilla. It wasn't a display to remember as Barça lost 2-0. After an hour he was replaced by Luis Suarez.

After that game he spent five games on the bench -- but at least he was a substitute. He did not come on against Girona, Sevilla (Copa second leg), Valencia, Madrid (Copa) or Athletic. His return to the team came in La Liga in the game against Valladolid at Camp Nou. Barça won 1-0 and Boateng was once again replaced after 60 minutes by Suarez.

Since then, he's not even been on the bench. He has not even been in the squad. He travelled to Lyon but was left out. It's now four games: Lyon, Sevilla, Madrid... and Madrid again for Saturday's game.

It suggests Valverde has a lack of confidence in Boateng, considering he was signed to give Suarez a rest from time to time. Boateng's not lost his humour or his smile, though. After his latest snub, he posted on Instagram: "Never stop smiling." He added two hashtags: #handmadeandy #believeachieve.

There's no doubt that Boateng still backs himself to have a role to play at Barça but until now his presence has been testimonial.

- Diario SPORT