All of the pre-match talk had been about the left-back problem facing Michael Carrick, with injuries giving him a genuine dilemma and causing him to shuffle his pack.
There was no need to worry as Lukas Engel-a player heavily criticised for his previous performance against Sheffield Wednesday-stepped in and gave a man of the match performance for Middlesbrough as they swept aside Cardiff City 2-0.
Carrick has always insisted the Danish full-back had his full backing, and proved it by selecting the 24-year-old for last night’s match.
“I thought Lukas done ever so well tonight.” Said an impressed Carrick, speaking in his post-match interview on the club website.
“He had a massive moment where he deflected a shot onto the post, great bit of defending at the back post, then he set up the goal which was fabulous for him and for us.”
The analysis from Boro’s head coach was, as always, not too generous, but it was noted that he made sure to mention a defensive moment, rather than just the fact that he gained an assist.
Constant outlet
It was a strong showing from the Dane who displayed immense strength of character to try to play his natural attacking game, despite the torrid first half he endured defensively against Sheffield Wednesday.
He grew into the game and after some tentative passing in the first half, where he largely passed back to his defensive colleagues, the second period saw him slotting first-time passes forward, down the line and inside to teammates in promising positions.
He also got high up the pitch on numerous occasions throughout the match and eventually, in the second half, his teammates started to trust him and utilised the outlet he continuously gave them.
His crossing in the final third was getting closer and closer to the target and then in the 56th minute, he broke down the left and fizzed a low cross that narrowly evaded Josh Coburn’s instep. The defender partially cleared, but only to an onrushing Engel, whose determination saw him reach the ball, sidestep a tackle and try again, this time finding Isaiah Jones on the six yard line to tap in to an empty net.
It was a composed and assured all round performance from Lukas Engel, who was afforded a standing ovation and warm applause from the Riverside faithful as he left the field. He was substituted in the 90th minute for Alex Bangura, another summer arrival who also plays at left-back.
Competition for places
The fact that Engel may have only played due to the absence of Rav van den Berg (a knock) and Lewis O’Brien who is carrying a significant injury, shows the depth that Boro have at their disposal. The former Silkeborg man definitely stepped up to the plate against Cardiff.
There is genuine competition across all positions, which was further highlighted by the fact that Emannuel Latte Lath scored a wonderful solo goal coming on as a substitute last night. Morgan Rogers, Matt Crooks and Marcus Forss were all subs who went close to scoring too.
But this was a night for Engel, and he will be buoyed by the performance, the assist and also the clean sheet. He has done himself no harm in his quest to make the spot his own. The next test is away against neighbours Sunderland on Saturday.