Returning to the Premier League after a lengthy absence, Outside90’s Liam Bednarski runs his eye over the Middlesborough starting XI ahead of the new season.
With a high emphasis on work-rate, defensive diligence as well as an aggressive transfer policy, Altor Karanka’s men look set to compete for a staying spot in 2016-17.
Goalkeeper – Victor Valdes – An extremely competent and experienced goalkeeper. The 34-year-old has the ability to reignite his career at Middlesborough and to prove that class is permanent.
Right-back – Emilo Nsue – More comfortable as a right-midfielder then at right-back, with Antonio Barragan signed to challenge his role. Will be exciting to watch him explode forward with lightening speed.
Centre-back – Daniel Ayala – The former Liverpool youngster has finally found a place he can call home. He presents a threat from set pieces while organising the defence.
Centre-back – Ben Gibson – A central-defender who will partner Ayala to open the season. Bernardo Espinosa is another possibility for the position, but is out with injury until at least September. Solid but unspectacular.
Left-back – George Friend – Not an overly attacking-minded left-back, having scored a solitary goal and provided two assists last season, but was widely regarded as the best in the Championship. Will be the first name on the Boro team sheet.
Central-midfield – Marten de Roon – A new signing who will bring assured performances to central-midfield. His ability to break up play and protect the defence is his strength and number one task. 185cm of pure steel.
Central-midfield – Adam Clayton – A constant in the side with his smart range of passing and expect screening of the back four. Has a tendency to pick up a number of yellow cards.
Central-midfield – Gaston Ramirez – Scored seven goals and provided three assists across only 18 starts after arriving on loan from Southampton. Nailed on for the central-attacking role in midfield.
Right-wing – Christhian Stuani & Albert Adomah – The two are set to battle it out for the right-wing role. Stuani is a highly aggressive player likely to tempt the referees patience, while Adomah can be impressive but inconsistent – in a similar playing style to Crystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie.
Left-wing – Viktor Fischer – Brings an interesting skill set to the team. He is agile with good technique and appears reliable in front of goal, scoring times eight last season. The level of his physicality and work ethic is unknown at this level though.
Stuart Downing – In a battle for starting place with Fischer. A signing which nearly saw the manager resign last season, his impact dwindling as Ramirez emerged.
Striker – Negredo – A touch of class in a body ravaged by injuries. His impact may be limited and the club has taken a significant risk in securing his signature. At 30-years of age with a couple of poor seasons behind him, the nature of the deal (a loan) suggests they know the risk they are taking.
Negredo’s challenger for the striking role is Jordan Rhodes, who has been biding his time in the Championship for a number of years. He has a goal ratio better then one-in-two over his career, while approaching peak performance at 26-years of age. He is extremely dangerous from corners and set pieces. Premier League defenders have been warned.
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