His uncle played for Ghana, and his mother played for a Berlin women's team. She comes from the Rahn family, as in Helmut Rahn, the legendary scorer of the goal that gave West Germany its first World Cup title in 1954.

Boateng's father came to Germany a quarter of a century ago and Kevin-Prince was born in Berlin. Now 19, he is a member of Germany's under-21 squad.

He's also a rarity in today's soccer _ a player who actually plays for his local soccer club.

And Boateng is one of the reasons Hertha Berlin is first in the Bundesliga after six rounds _ albeit with the slimmest of margins.

Five teams have 10 points each, but Hertha Berlin leads on goal difference. At least one of those teams could fall behind after this weekend.

Berlin travels to Bayern Munich, and if Boateng's team wins, it will leave the defending champions behind.

Of the other teams near the top, Werder Bremen travels to last-place Bochum, Schalke is at Hamburg and FC Nuremberg hosts Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday.

With few teams shining, Berlin is one of three undefeated teams, with two wins and four draws.

It could be the breakthrough season for Boateng, whose two younger brothers are also players. The midfielder has won praise for solid play and has been one of Berlin's best players, scoring one goal.

While Berlin has been a pleasant surprise, Bayern has been disappointing this season.

Bayern has lost twice already this season _ last season, Bayern had only three defeats.

Even coach Felix Magath's work is being scrutinized, although he's completed the domestic double in both of his first two seasons with Bayern.

One of Magath's most discussed decisions is to leave young striker Lukas Podolski mostly on the bench.

Podolski came to Bayern from relegated FC Cologne in the off-season, bringing with him the title of best young player from the World Cup.

That failed to impress Magath, who says Podolski needs time to adjust. While sitting on the bench in Munich, Podolski has continued to be called up for Germany and responded by scoring twice in a 4-1 win at Slovakia on Wednesday.

That could increase pressure on Magath to start Podolski.

``We have four top strikers and any one of them can play,'' Magath said. ``It will be a last-minute decision.''

Berlin coach Falko Goetz has some injury worries _ midfielder Yildiray Basturk is still battling a knee injury and striker Christian Gimenez has groin problems. Midfielder Gilberto is definitely out with an ankle injury.

Gimenez has three goals so far, with partner Marko Pantelic also contributing three. Both are dangerous on the break.

``We have a very good chance in Munich,'' said Gimenez, an Argentine. ``Bayern plays offensively and that gives us space. We are still undefeated and we've trained very hard in the last few weeks.''

Also Friday, Mainz hosts Alemannia Aachen. On Saturday, it's Stuttgart versus Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Moenchengladbach versus Wolfsburg, and Hannover 96 versus Eintracht Frankfurt.

On Sunday, Energie Cottbus hosts Borussia Dortmund.