Middlesbrough faced off with bitter rivals Leeds United in the first round of the League Cup on Wednesday.
Boro traveled to Leeds in midweek, looking to build on their opening weekend victory.
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 to kick off their 2024/25 Championship season, putting an end to a 10-year run of zero victories in their opening games of a season.
Michael Carrick made seven changes to the eleven that picked up three points over the weekend at the Riverside Stadium.
Isaiah Jones impressed for Middlesbrough versus Swansea and was one of just four survivors alongside Aidan Morris, Matt Clarke, and Lukas Engel.
Boro were forced to play on the back foot in the first half on Wednesday but created a couple of chances while limiting Leeds’ attacking threat.
Neither team was able to find an opener before the break, though, with both goalkeepers having very little to do.
Middlesbrough started the second 45 much better and took the lead after 49 minutes when Anfernee Dijksteel carried the ball into the Leeds box before passing his effort into the net.
The game was killed off by the 66th minute after goals from Delano Burgzorg and Josh Coburn rounded out a huge 3-0 victory.
After an intense clash, here’s how we rated Carrick’s Middlesbrough players today…
Middlesbrough player ratings vs Leeds United
Sol Brynn 7/10
Brynn had very little to do despite the Leeds pressure but commanded his area well, winning a number of crosses and making a couple of decent stops.
Anfernee Dijksteel 9/10
Dijksteel has seen little action in 2024 and his first-half performance highlighted this. The right-back looked sloppy in possession and struggled to deal with Junior Firpo’s runs from deep.
However, his attacking output was much better. He scored the opener with a superb run from deep and should have had an assist moments later.
Matt Clarke 8/10
Another commanding display from Clarke, who has been one of Middlesbrough’s most consistent players this year. He dominated in the air again, made several blocks, and was not afraid to play the ball long in order to kickstart an attacking phase.
Jonny Howson 8/10
It was clear Leeds planned to target the out-of-position Howson from the get-go, with the majority of their balls into the box aimed at the Boro captain.
But the 36-year-old played about as well as he could have at centre-back, reading the game well and making some important interceptions.
Lukas Engel 7/10
Had a tough evening trying to keep Joe Gelhardt quiet but was defensively sound for the most part. Was able to break forward on a few occasions and create some chances.
Dan Barlaser 6/10
Had a chance to stake a claim for a more regular starting place against Leeds but offered little to show Carrick why he should start more. It was a quiet display from Barlaser who didn’t play terribly but also did little to impress.
Aidan Morris 8/10
Morris continues to grow in a Boro shirt with every minute he plays. The American was aggressive on Wednesday, breaking up a number of Leeds attacks with his pressing and tackles.
Isaiah Jones 7/10
Jones was not quite as effective as he was against Swansea at the weekend but his pace and quick feet still caused Leeds some problems. His decision-making with the final ball remains questionable, however.
Alex Gilbert 5/10
Worked hard in the Boro press alongside Josh Coburn upfront but his chance creation was poor, offering little creative spark in the final third. His ability to feature regularly against Championship teams remains questionable.
Delano Burgzorg 7/10
It was a lively display from Burgzorg who was not afraid to chase down Leeds players in order to win the ball back. Was unlucky not to score when getting on the end of a Dijksteel cross but got his goal midway through the second half.
Josh Coburn 8/10
Had the best chance of the first half, getting on the end of an Engel cross but failed to turn his effort goalward. Provided the assist for Middlesbrough’s second of the day and was in the right position to tap in a deflection for the third goal of the day.