One Middlesbrough star has been praised for his showing against Swansea City on Saturday.
Michael Carrick will have been pleased with how his Boro side began their opening fixture of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Middlesbrough went undefeated in pre-season and after limited additions over the summer, looked a well-drilled side in the early stages of Saturday’s clash with Swansea.
Boro dominated possession and pressed Luke Williams’ side well every time they did get the ball.
Emmanuel Latte put the Teessiders’ 1-0 up after 24 minutes, converting from the penalty spot after Isaiah Jones was brought down in the Swans’ box.
The Reds took their foot off the gas somewhat late in the first half with a sloppy pass from Aidan Morris nearly gifting the away team a goal.
But Seny Dieng was on hand to make a good save, seeing Middlesbrough go in at the break 1-0 up.
Boro’s performance in the second 45 was much weaker, with the away outfit taking a turn to dominate play and put pressure on Carrick’s backline.
Jones and Finn Azaz had a few chances to make it 2-0 late on but in the end, Middlesbrough were able to see out their 1-0 lead to pick up a crucial three points in their opening fixture.
Asmir Begovic praised one Middlesbrough player for display vs Swansea
A few of the Middlesbrough players impressed against Swansea at the Riverside this weekend.
Latte Lath was a constant threat in behind and was unlucky not to get a goal from open play.
Rav van den Berg was a rock in defence and made a huge goal-saving block toward the end of the 90 minutes.
However, it was Jones who stole the show for Middlesbrough against Swansea.
The winger was by far and away the home team’s biggest threat and, of course, played a key role in the their goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports while on co-commentary during the match, former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic singled Jones out for praise, labelling him a ‘top player’.
He said: “He has the potential to be a top, top player. And given the opportunity, given the platform at Middlesbrough, there’s no better place for him to be right now.”
Isaiah Jones will have a lot of competition at Middlesbrough in 2024/25
While Jones was a standout performer against Swansea, his continued inclusion in Carrick’s eleven is by no means guaranteed.
Academy starlet Sonny Finch was used on the right wing during pre-season and impressed in several friendly matches.
The 18-year-old is expected to see more first-team action in 2024/25 and could rival Jones.
The 25-year-old will also have to deal with Marcus Forss once the Finn returns from injury in the near future.
Forss scored seven in 21 Championship games in 2023/24 before picking up the injury that kept him out on Saturday.
Middlesbrough have signed Micah Hamilton from Manchester City and he too will be fighting with Jones for a place out wide.
Based on his display against Swansea, however, Jones should be keeping his starting berth for the time being.