Ryan Shotton is set to become Middlesbrough’s 9th signing of the summer. Shotton is a much-needed signing after Middlesbrough sold their two centre backs, Alex Baptiste and Bernardo Espinosa.
The sales of Espinosa and Baptiste left Middlesbrough with just three first team centre backs. One of which, Dael Fry, has played very little for them. But Fry has impressed so far this season as he has had to fill in for Daniel Ayala who has been out injured. Ryan Shotton is also an accomplished centre back in the Championship.
Therefore, it would seem Middlesbrough and Garry Monk have somewhat of a selection dilemma when it comes to choosing a main centre back duo. Of course, Ryan Shotton has yet to officially sign. But a deal has been agreed in principle and Boro are just waiting for Birmingham to sign a replacement for Shotton before he signs for Middlesbrough.
Regardless of the Shotton deal, Middlesbrough still have a selection dilemma between Gibson, Ayala and Fry. With all three centre backs making a case to be a regular starter, here is a look at what they would all bring to the side. Plus a look at what Shotton could bring should he sign.
Ben Gibson
Ben Gibson is first up largely because no matter what duo line up at the back for Middlesbrough, you can be sure Gibson will be one of the two.
There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, Gibson is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs. The latest of which is Manchester City. So, if Middlesbrough wants to keep Gibson, he will certainly have to be a regular starter.
Another reason Gibson will be starting pretty much every league game is that he is left footed. A left footed centre back is much rarer than a right footer and Boro will be keen to keep hold of theirs. It is also part of the reason Gibson was selected for the England squad.
The main reason Gibson will be consistently selected however is because of his overall quality. He played every minute of Premier League football for Boro last season and was a glimpse of hope in a very poor season.
Gibson always gives 100% and is one of the few Boro players you know will always give it their all every single minute of every game. His quality and leadership have earned him the captain’s armband and if he continues to progress as a player he could well be one of England’s best centre backs in the future.
Gibson’s form has also continued into the Championship season. The England star has helped Boro keep two clean sheets out of two at home. Also, he scored Boro’s only goal away to Nottingham Forest, even though he did give a penalty away earlier in the game.
Regardless of the penalty incident, however, Ben Gibson is a top quality centre back, probably only second best in the Championship to John Terry and Monk would be mad not to play him as long as he is fit.
Daniel Ayala
It is with the remaining Middlesbrough centre backs that there arises a selection dilemma. The first player who could potentially partner Ben Gibson is 26-year-old Daniel Ayala.
Ayala was by far Middlesbrough’s best centre back when they were last in the Championship. He was one of the main reasons Boro only conceded 31 goals in the 2015/16 season and also why they kept 22 clean sheets. The most in the league.
However, in Boro’s last Premier League season he was somewhat of an afterthought and struggled to hold down a starting place. This was for a number of reasons including injuries, suspensions and general fitness.
Fitness and injuries seem to be a bit of a problem for Ayala. As demonstrated this season as he already finds himself sidelined after just one competitive match. So, if Ayala is going to continue to miss games through injury, does Monk really want to try and rely on him to be Gibson’s main partner?
Perhaps not as it may disrupt the squad. You can also question Ayala’s confidence as he didn’t play much last season which is never good for confidence. Furthermore, in his only game this season he made a very silly error which led to Wolves scoring. Therefore, if Ayala is lacking both fitness and confidence, maybe he should not be Boro’s main centre back.
One argument for Ayala being Gibson’s main partner this season though is their superb Championship record. In total Gibson and Ayala have played 56 Championship games as a pair. They’ve won 32, drawn 20 and lost just four. Therefore, as Ayala and Gibson work so well, maybe Monk should be looking to rekindle that partnership this season.
Dael Fry
Dael Fry is Boro’s only other current centre back. He is a product of Middlesbrough’s academy and is just 19. Despite his age, Fry is looking to be a very competent Championship defender.
As Ayala is injured, Fry has been filling in for him. Fry has played three Championship games this season in place of Ayala and so far he has been superb. Boro kept back to back clean sheets at home when Fry has partnered with Gibson. Moreover, despite losing to Forest, Fry was instrumental in Boro scoring their goal as he assisted Ben Gibson.
Speaking of Gibson, when he was Fry’s age Gibson was out on loan in League One and Two with Plymouth and Tranmere and was not nearly as good as Fry is now. With this in mind, it would, therefore, seem smart to play Fry and develop him into a player like Gibson and the best way to do that would be to partner him alongside Gibson for him to learn and grow as a player.
Ryan Shotton
Shotton is not a Boro player yet. But as mentioned earlier he could be very soon. Ryan Shotton is 28 and brings a host of experience with him. He has played for sides such as Stoke City in the Premier League and Birmingham City, his current club, in the Championship.
He was Birmingham’s best centre back last year and was a big part of why they kept 12 clean sheets. However, if he signs for Boro it is more than likely he will be a squad rotation player.
This is because he is already 28. So, he will be around for a shorter time than Gibson, Ayala and Fry. But Shotton may well impress when/if he signs and could well find himself as a regular starter.
