One rising Middlesbrough star has plenty of potential but Michael Carrick could unlock the player by making a key change.
Since his arrival the Riverside Stadium in October 2022, Michael Carrick has been keen to offer young players a chance in Middlesbrough first-team.
Hayden Hackney is the best example of this, with the 22-year-old now a crucial member of Boro’s senior side.
Hackney was a standout option for Middlesbrough in 2023/24 and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming 2024/25 Championship season.
Law McCabe is the latest Middlesbrough academy product to be promoted to the senior side, being handed his first start for the Teessiders against Watford in May.
In pre-season, meanwhile, Carrick has afforded minutes to several academy prospects such as George McCormick, McCabe, and Sonny Finch.
How Michael Carrick can unlock Sonny Finch
Finch joined Boro’s academy at U14 level and has previously excelled in their youth ranks.
His 2023/24 campaign was derailed by injury but Carrick has made his transfer stance on Finch clear, suggesting he will remain in the North East for 2024/25.
However, the 18-year-old is a striker and may struggle for regular minutes ahead of Emmanuel Latte Lath and Josh Coburn.
But there is a way the Middlesbrough manager could unlock Finch’s full potential in the new season.
The teenager played 45 minutes of Boro’s 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend but was not used up front.
Instead, Finch was deployed in the right-wing role. The youngster proved a serious threat and even scored against Bolton.
Now, with Marcus Forss expected to miss Middlesbrough’s Championship opener due to injury, there is an opportunity for Finch to garner regular football if Carrick is willing to change his position.
Why Carrick should move Finch out wide
Carrick is seemingly a big fan of the teenager and has earmarked Finch for a first-team role in 2024/25.
The Boro boss was also the one who handed Finch his senior debut last year, labelling him as ‘excellent’ after that match, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “Finchy has been excellent in training and I thought he deserved his chance.
“I’m delighted for Sonny. He’s one we’ve been looking at for some time now, as we do any of the younger players.”
Now, Carrick must put faith in Finch and start him out of position on the right wing.
Isaiah Jones is currently Middlesbrough’s only fit option in that position and he is a very inconsistent player.
And with Finch already showcasing his ability to play out wide, the position change could benefit all parties if Carrick is willing to do it.