Michael Carrick has some big decisions to make after Middlesbrough were beaten by Stoke City.
Boro’s concerning early-season form continued at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 on the opening weekend of the Championship season before securing a huge 3-0 victory over Leeds United in the first round of the League Cup a few days later.
From there, though, it has been nothing but poor performances from the Teessiders.
After losing to Derby County and drawing with Portsmouth, Michael Carrick fielded a youthful side against Stoke City in the hopes of turning Boro’s form around.
However, Middlesbrough were smashed 5-0 by Stoke, with several players failing to impress on the night.
Carrick must drop Lukas Engel for the Cardiff City game this weekend after he helped the visitors score four goals in the second half with his lackluster defending.
Josh Coburn failed to take his chance for Middlesbrough vs Stoke, and could now have played his final game for the Teessiders amid continuing exit links ahead of Deadline Day.
Alex Gilbert was Middlesbrough’s best player vs Stoke
Tom Glover could leave Middlesbrough this week as well after he was once again left on the bench behind Sol Brynn in midweek.
While there were very, very few positives to take from the 5-0 drubbing, the performance of Alex Gilbert should still be acknowledged.
Gilbert earned a 7/10 player rating from Teesside Live journalist Craig Johns, who was quick to praise the 22-year-old’s display.
He wrote: “The only Boro player to emerge with much credit. Pretty much everything positive at the Boro did in the game came through him as he displayed his intelligence and quality in possession.
“Kept going and looking to do something in the chastising second half too.”
Michael Carrick must make Alex Gilbert transfer U-turn
Gilbert joined Middlesbrough from Brentford last summer and struggled to have much of an impact in his debut campaign.
The attacking midfielder made just 12 Championship appearances in 2023/24, earning 225 minutes of playing time.
In turn, it came as little surprise when reports emerged earlier this month that Middlesbrough are considering loaning Gilbert out in the current transfer window.
However, after his showing against Stoke, Carrick must now consider keeping the former Bee at the Riverside for 2024/25.
Finn Azaz is expected to remain Middlesbrough’s primary number 10 but Gilbert now appears to be the best backup option in that position.
Micah Hamilton can play there but after both men started against Stoke, it is clear Gilbert is the better option right now.
Should Gilbert move this summer, it would weaken Boro’s attacking threat and potentially lead to another crisis if Azaz were to join the club’s already lengthy injury list.