Middlesbrough will have to do without their reliable stopper Seny Dieng for a period of time during January and February as he is almost certain to be selected to travel with the defending champions Senegal to the AFCON (The Africa Cup of Nations) tournament.
Hosts Ivory Coast will kick off the tournament on January 23rd, with games played right up until the 11th February. It could mean that if Senegal-who won the 2021 tournament-perform well once again and reach the final, Boro could lose their influential sweeper keeper for as many as six games, including the home fixture against Sunderland and also likely an encounter away to Preston as it lands just three days after the AFCON final.
Carrick faces conundrum
It poses an interesting conundrum for Boro boss Michael Carrick who puts a lot of faith in Dieng’s ability to distribute effectively from the back. It is a big part of the way that Middlesbrough approach matches, with the Senegalese stopper acutely adept at strolling out of his area, drawing opposing players in and subsequently initiating attacks with incisive passing through those advancing players.
The kind of football that Dieng plays can not be replicated easily, and if a back-up goalkeeper was to attempt it without conviction, it could end in disaster.
So, the question is, do Boro have that number two to be able to step in and ensure momentum is maintained and the game-plan not jeopardised? The short answer to that is inconclusive. Tom Glover is currently Middlesbrough’s number two and has deputised for Dieng in the cup games this season. Whilst he has in no way disgraced himself, it would be seen as a huge show of faith, should Carrick decide to stick with the Aussie as his number one in Dieng’s absence.
Loan deal could be on the cards
Glover does not have the same distribution skills and is not as calm in possession, but Boro have bought him for a reason, so it may seem unfair to question the suitability of his services.
The fact is though, Middlesbrough could be in a position to press on with their promotion hopes come January and the goalkeeping position could prove to be pivotal to those chances.
Seny Dieng arrived in the summer transfer window and took to his task at Middlesbrough almost immediately, even when Boro struggled for form, he was not one of the players under fire. He has performed consistently throughout the season and has rarely had a poor game.
With the January window on the horizon, would it be such a big shock were Boro to move for a keeper on a short-term deal until Dieng returns? Zak Steffen has not played a game in anger for Manchester City since returning to his parent club. Is that a possibility? it is unlikely, but it would make sense in many respects. He needs game time, he would not need to adjust too much, he knows the club, the area, the manager.
Who knows? What we do know, is that Michael Carrick has a decision to make, and it could be an important one.