As we enter the International break off the back of some scintillating performances, Middlesbrough fans can finally exhale and let out all of that nervous tension after Carrick’s men remedied their shaky start to the 23/24 Championship campaign.
It seems fitting to use this break as an opportunity to draw breath and offer a quarterly review; selecting Boro’s strongest starting eleven based on player performances so far. With the Teessider’s already using 26 players in competitive matches so far, it is a more difficult task than you might think.
1. GK-Seny Dieng
He has an unshakable confidence that is finally beginning to permeate through to the line of defence in front of him. It was a difficult start to the season for the Senegalese international, not because of his own standard of performance, but because he was being exposed by the side’s inability to eradicate mistakes from their game.
We all know about his sweeper qualities and his starting position (often in line with Jonny Howson), but his general shot-stopping and one-on-one heroics are now bringing his displays to the fore. A big part of Carrick’s footballing philosophy.
2. RB-Rav van den Berg
The teenage defender arrived on Teesside with a glowing reputation amidst interest from some extremely big Eurpoean super clubs. The vision for Middlesbrough football club was sold to the Dutchman, and fans were delighted that he bought into it.
As pleased as fans were, many thought he would be one for the future, not necessarily the immediate present. Circumstances have meant that the laid back defender has had to undertake roles in both full-back positions.
He has looked assured and commanding whenever called upon and has even tried to support attacks from right-back, despite being a central defender by trade. Often first choice at right-back ahead of experienced players like Paddy McNair and specialist right-back Tommy Smith, one can only imagine how good he will be in his favoured role at the heart of defence.
3. LB-Lukas Engel
A decision that was not straight forward, largely because of the difficulty he had in the game against Sheffield Wednesday. Going on performances so far, you could make a case for Lewis O’Brien, as he helped shore up the left side of Boro’s back line. But Lukas Engel showed such bravery and commitment when he was presented with another chance. His re-introduction to the first team was a night of redemption, he picked up the player of the match award and grabbed himself an assist in a stirring display.
He continued in the same vain against Sunderland, playing very high up the pitch, filling the spaces in the attacking third and enabling Sam Greenwood to drift inside across central areas.
There is a feeling that he could be a very important cog as Carrick’s promotion charge kicks into a higher gear.
CB-Dael Fry
An up and down start to the season, not unlike a lot of Boro’s first team. Some errors and lapses in concentration have blotted his copybook, but he has stepped up a level in the last few weeks. A clever bit of man-management from Carrick in giving him the captain’s armband has helped sharpen his game and apply himself with a little more focus.
When he is on his metal, few have the physiological attributes to compare to ‘The Lighthouse’. When he steps in and leaps into those aerial duels, it is like his head is forged from Teesside steel. The bigger the game, the better Dael performs. If he can remain focused, he feel he will keep his place, irrespective of who is fit.
CB-Darragh Lenihan
Darragh has missed out in recent weeks through illness, but has done more than enough to warrant his place in this line-up. Even when the team were shipping goals, his performances were of a high standard in general.
The Ireland international is a good communicator on the pitch and in a young side, that is important. He leads by example and he dragged Boro out of that mess of a match against Sheffield Wednesday with a point. Who knows what the fallout would have been like if Boro had suffered the embarrassment of being beaten by a club that has registered only 3 points all season.
Paddy McNair has played very well since coming into the side at centre-back in Darragh’s absence, so Michael Carrick has a decision to make when he returns to fitness, but to this point, Darragh just shades it.
CM-Hayden Hackney
The young England Under 21 star is as important as anyone in Boro’s side right now. His standard has not dropped at all and he is one of the first names on the sheet. Whether he plays alongside Howson or Barlaser, he is always available, he does the simple stuff so well, but has also added some subtle intricacies into his make-up. For example, when he takes the ball deep in his own half, he has a little turn of pace and the courage to step past opponents who come onto him. It opens up the picture in front of him and has players running back towards their own goal.
He has only missed a couple of league matches during Carrick’s tenure and has played more times under him than any other player.
CM-Jonny Howson
Boro’s captain and leader. Jonny’s impact as a driving force is acknowledged most when he is missing. Only then do fans sometimes see just what an asset he is. The Boro certainly felt his absence at the back end of last season. The improvement in results has coincided with his return to the starting eleven.
He sets the right tempo, he knows where to position himself through the game, and he has an excellent understanding with Hackney, they work in tandem and are never too far from one another.
That match-winning penalty-under slight duress from former captain Leadbitter-was a real catalyst in the Southampton game. Boro haven’t looked back since.
RW-Isaiah Jones
Who else? Izzy did tell us that he would be back to his best this season, and back he is! He is looking like the footballer that attracted so much attention a couple of seasons ago. Tricky feet, pace to burn and the confidence to break into the box and get on the end of things has seen him earn plenty of plaudits so far.
He has a very credible threat waiting to take his place in Marcus Forss, who in fairness has not done much wrong, but Jones has the complete package as a winger.
He does occasionally give the ball away, but we can’t let that detract from the danger he has at his disposal. Three goals and an assist in twelve outings so far, could do with cutting out the silly yellow cards though.
LW-Riley McGree
Some very strong views from fans about his absence early in the season, but if the result is the form he has showed of late, maybe Michael Carrick knew exactly what he was doing. Hopefully the injury he is carrying won’t be too serious, because he has been Boro’s talisman.
When the team were struggling with the burden of replacing the goals lost from last season’s stars, he stepped up and has been doing his bit to chip in. Five goals and two assists in thirteen appearances is an excellent return for an attacking midfielder.
The way Boro play allows Riley the freedom to roam across the front line and affect games. Hopefully that continues.
CAM-Matt Crooks
Possibly the biggest call of this selection. Boro have tried a number of options in the number ten role, but Crooks has arguably given the best performances overall and had the biggest impact so far.
He has that Championship nous, and whilst Morgan Rogers and Sam Greenwood may-you could argue-have more ability, he has done the business on the pitch during this first chapter. He has already had a hand in five goals and as the other candidates improve game by game, he may have to resort to being an impact substitute, but to this point he has performed well enough to wear the number ten shirt.
ST-Josh Coburn
Funny how football works isn’t it? If Boro had got another striker over the line in the summer, he may have had the Plymouth faithful calling him the Argyle Haaland. He was set to join the Championship new boys on loan, but Carrick kept him and after one or two nervous displays from Boro’s number nine, new arrival Emannuel Latte Lath, he gave him his chance.
Not shying away from the challenge, the 19-year-old has kicked, shoved and bullied his way around some experienced Championship centre-backs who have been fooled by the boyish looks of the Richmond centre-forward. Won an important penalty kick against Southampton and was rewarded with a goal against Watford too.
He brings some battling qualities to the front line and allows Boro to build off him and his impressive hold up play.
A very different threat to Latte Lath, they will both be needed over the course of the season.