Aitor Karanka succeeded in managing Middlesbrough to a promotion to the top flight of English football after a whopping 7 years. The ex-Real Madrid assistant coach based his footballing philosophy on the lines of the pragmatic Jose Mourinho and has so far achieved success on those lines. But the Premier League is a different ball game altogether as the quality of football and players have the ability to neutralise well-worked put plans if the personnel are not right.
Middlesbrough were considered as one of the contenders for the drop but their aggressive transfer window suggested a determined effort from the club to stay in the top-flight. They started off with a draw against Stoke City before beating arch-rivals Sunderland in the Tees-Wear derby, which was followed by a draw against West Bromwich Albion. But things haven’t gone according to plan since then as the team is finding it hard to reach the desired level to notch up the 3 points.
They once again drew against the Hammers and the international break will give ample amount of time to Karanka to sort out the balance of the team.
Although Boro went in hard in the transfer window, it seems they have to strengthen even more if they are to ensure safety and build on from there.
Meanwhile, we take a look at the strongest eleven from the players they have at their disposal at the moment.
T4O’s IDEAL MIDDLESBROUGH TEAM WHEN FULLY FIT (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Victor Valdes has to be more assertive and step up his performance if he is to ward off the challenge of Brad Guzan. Antonio Barragan is a long term fix at right-back while Calum Chambers should be given a run in the middle of the defence with his most likely partner being Ben Gibson. Ayala is likely to miss out but will have sufficient chances to fight for his place in the team. George Friend is the first choice left-back and looks to be there for the foreseeable future.
MIDFIELD
Marten De Roon has been brought in to shore up the midfield and his partnership with Adam Clayton will be crucial to their prospects this season. Gaston Ramirez started off brightly but has piped down in the last couple of weeks. He needs to step up.
ATTACK
Stewart Downing offers balance on the wings but is another player who needs to step up with options at Karanka’s disposal. Traore looks to the best bet right now with his flair and skill acting as a contrast to Downing’s more measured displays on the opposite side. Alvaro Negredo is the No.1 striker in the team and has to get his goal scoring touch back.
