Middlesbrough returned to winning ways over the weekend against Stoke City.
It had been a rough start to the 2024/25 season for the Teessiders, who sat all the way down in 12th in the Championship table ahead of the weekend’s action.
Middlesbrough lost 1-0 to Sunderland in their previous fixture, meaning they had picked up just two wins in their first six games of 2024/25.
With a Premier League return predicted prior to the campaign getting underway, this was not the start fans or Michael Carrick likely expected.
However, getting payback for their harrowing Carabao Cup defeat last month, Middlesbrough beat Stoke City 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was, especially the first 45, some of the best football the North East outfit have played so far this season.
Ben Doak took much of the plaudits after scoring on his first start since his move from Liverpool, but another Middlesbrough star has now come in for praise.
Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney tipped for big things after Stoke City
Boro dominated the Potters and killed the game off in the second half when Hayden Hackney scored a staggering long-range effort.
Tottenham Hotspur were interested in Hackney in the 2024 summer transfer window following his impressive 2023/24 campaign.
Boro were able to keep hold of their academy product though, and he has since started every league game this season.
Hackney was underperforming somewhat prior to facing Stoke but after his effort over the weekend, talkSPORT pundit Phil Spencer has taken to X/Twitter to praise the player, backing him to ‘achieve big things’.
He wrote: “An incredible individual goal. So much more than just a belting strike too, with Hayden Hackney showing just how good he is at carrying the ball at pace too.
“Some player who will achieve big things in his career.”
- READ MORE: Middlesbrough promotion chances outlined as Opta predict final 2024/25 Championship position
Michael Carrick now has big Middlesbrough decision to make
Hackney’s return to form is great for the club but will leave Carrick with something of a selection dilemma.
For the majority of 2024/25 so far, the Boro manager has deployed Hackney alongside summer signing Aidan Morris at the base of midfield.
Morris has been in top form, while Hackney is now seemingly back to his best. However, one of the duo may need to be dropped in the near future.
This is because Jonny Howson is stepping up his recovery from injury. Middlesbrough face West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday evening – a game the 36-year-old is likely to miss.
However, Howson will return to fitness, likely after the October international break, and Carrick will probably want to start him.
The former Norwich City man is Middlesbrough’s captain and has been one of their best players over the last several years.
But who, if anyone, will drop out of the eleven for Howson remains very much up for debate.