After a decent start to the Premier League campaign, Middlesbrough side have failed to keep up since the turn of the year and are in grave danger of being relegated this season. They are currently six points off safety, with a game in hand, and need to be at their best for the last six games in the competition, if they are to stay in the top flight.
But their run in makes it really difficult for them to get over the drop zone. Boro have had some consistent performers this season and if they are relegated, they might find it hard to keep hold of such stars in the Championship. So, if the Riverside outfit do go down, here are three players from the squad who might stay in the Premier League:
Adama Traore:
One of the most exciting players in the current Middlesbrough squad, Traore, is a product of the La Masia academy but he has not been able to show his true colours in his time at the Riverside. He has just one assist in 29 appearances in all competitions for Karanka’s side and has let them down.
But at just 21, he has immense potential and can turn into a top-class star in years to come. He may benefit playing in the Championship but the likes of Chelsea are already linked with a move for him, so it is hard to see Traore struggle with Boro in the second tier.
Ben Gibson:
The 24-year old joined Boro back in 2013 and took just a year to cement a place in the first team. He has been with the club ever since and has been an important part of Karanka’s journey to the Premier League.
He has been their best defender this season and has already attracted interests from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Middlesbrough may have found it hard to keep him anyway and if they go down, Gibson is sure to swap leagues and join a PL outfit this summer.
Marten de Roon:
The first-choice midfielder for Karanka this season, Marten de Roon, has been in decent form but may not have done enough to keep Boro in the top flight next season. The Dutch international has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season and has scored four goals, helping Boro to some decent times.
However, he may not be able to keep them up this season and might have to look elsewhere if he wants to play in the top flight of English football. There will not be a shortage of clubs who will want a midfielder of his calibre so Boro are sure to lose him if they are relegated.
