Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick is well rehearsed in the art of manufacturing the best position for his players.
The best example of this notion so far is the redeployment of Chuba Akpom, who before the arrival of Carrick was less than prolific in terms of goals scored. Akpom left Boro having had his most impressive season to date, netting 29 times from the number ten role.
Marcus Forss was also identified as someone who would fair better in a different position, and is now played in an attacking right-wing area as opposed to a central striking position. Morgan Rogers and Matt Crooks-usually attacking midfielders-have been utilised occasionally as centre-forwards, with the latter once again prompting discussions around his suitability in that role higher up the pitch due to some excellent recent form.
Crooks’ importance
Addressing the club’s media via the club website, Carrick spoke of the importance of Matt Crooks ahead of the trip to Devon to face Plymouth Argyle on Saturday. “First and foremost, I think Crooksy is a terrific player as well, and I think when you get talked about as a great character and great around the group, it can kind of take away the quality you have on the pitch.”
Crooks has played a little bit deeper this season, scoring some important goals and contributing hugely to the side’s impressive attacking displays.
He has three goals and three assists this season, and Carrick believes he has plenty to offer in whichever role he is selected. “Crooksy is right in what he says, he probably feels more comfortable and at home in that position, (as a number ten) I still thought he did have, and could have moving forward, that influence playing a little bit higher up, because of how he is in and around the box and he is really clever and has got a natural instinct for his timing and his arrival in the right space at the right time, and that is something that is difficult to coach.
“He has certainly improved since I’ve been here, and that’s all down to him. He’s been so, so good around the place, so good in training and he is getting his rewards for it now.”
Milestone appearance
The 29-year-old who recently notched up a milestone 100th appearance in the red of Middlesbrough, has played for three different managers on Teesside, and has been trusted by them all. Upon entering the final year on his contract in July, Boro secured his services with a new deal. Proof, if needed that he is important to the club’s progress moving forward.
Further explaining the value of his in-form attacker, Carrick added, “Crooksy brings both sides to it, that is why he is so important around the group, his example, how he trains every single day, and the impact he has when he is on the pitch in terms of being such a threat, his work that he does for the team without the ball is really important for us, and in and around the box, his threat and his combination play, so he brings an awful lot to it.”
Matt Crooks has featured in all but one of Boro’s league games so far this season and is clearly a trusted member of Carrick’s squad. That stat alone, given the attacking talent at their disposal shows how highly he is valued and respected.