The Middlesbrough academy has produced a host of first-team players in Boro’s history. But who are the current set of Under-21 gems trying to make it to the Riverside Stadium?
First-team manager Michael Carrick issues a handful of previous Middlesbrough academy graduates in his squad today. Defender Dael Fry progressed through Boro’s ranks since he was a young boy and now has over 200 appearances for the club. Hayden Hackney also went a similar route with the midfielder now a first-team player.
Mark Tinkler became the U21 lead coach in December 2021 following the departure of Graeme Lee. Formerly the U18s, Tinkler has overseen the development of plenty of academy graduates who have gone on to become vital players for Boro.
Middlesbrough Under-21 Goalkeepers
Name: Nathan Fisher
Date of birth: 26/01/2005
Name: Henry Popple
Date of birth: 04/03/2004
Middlesbrough Under-21 Defenders
Name: Cain Sykes
Date of birth: 14/04/2002
Position: Centre-half
Name: Sam Collins
Date of birth: 23/05/2003
Position: Left-back
Name: JD Costello
Date of birth: 12/01/2005
Position: Centre-half
Name: George Gitau
Date of birth: 02/09/2003
Position: Right-back
Name: Afonso Lindo
Date of birth: 14/04/2002
Position: Centre-half
Middlesbrough Under-21 Midfielders
Name: Nathan Simpson
Date of birth: 24/02/2004
Position: Right-winger
Name: Yacou Traore
Date of birth: 03/11/2004
Position: Central midfielder
Name: Pharrell Willis
Date of birth: 23/02/2003
Position: Left-winger
Name: Luke Woolston
Date of birth: 30/11/2004
Position: Defensive midfielder
Name: Max Howells
Date of birth: 30/09/2004
Position: Right winger
Name: Jack Stott
Date of birth: 06/12/2003
Position: Central midfielder
Middlesbrough Under-21 Forwards
Name: Matthew Hoppe
Date of birth: 13/03/2001
Position: Centre-forward
Name: Daniel Nkrumah
Date of birth: 05/11/2003
Position: Centre-forward