The range of performances turned in by Middlesbrough, have meant that they have been the epitome of ‘patchy’ in terms of results so far in 2024.
The euphoric 1-0 win at home to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final seemed a long time ago, as league results – up until the win against Norwich – had threatened to derail Michael Carrick‘s first full season in charge.
Disappointing losses to Plymouth and Stoke among others sent the club plummeting down the Championship, with fans rightly sensing a mini-crisis. But Carrick recognised the importance of grinding out some wins to solidify their position. They have now taken 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four games.
That revival saw them move away from the group of teams lurching around the relegation places, and took them back up towards the top half.
Unfortunately, it seems the play-off positions are just out of reach with only eight fixtures left, but the players will keep striving to improve and develop ready for a serious assault next season.
Here is a view as to how the Middlesbrough players have performed in 2024 so far.
Seny Dieng
Not played much this year, after he missed seven games with a thigh problem. Had to wait for his chance upon his return after Tom Glover deputised in his absence. His calming influence was missed in that period. No coincidence that Middlesbrough have kept three clean sheets in five since his return. 6.5/10
Tom Glover
A difficult assessment as the Aussie impressed everyone early on when he deputised for Dieng. Showed some good shot-stopping and spared the side’s blushes more than once with one-on-one saves. Unfortunately was scapegoated somewhat as Boro’s defence was breached far too often. 6/10
Luke Ayling
Came in to a struggling side and initially looked overwhelmed at right-back. Turned his form around superbly in recent weeks, showing his qualities going forward as a wing-back in a new system. His professionalism and experience has been invaluable of late. Contributed with three assists. 7/10
Rav van den Berg
Middlesbrough’s leading light this season. Unflappable, commanding, composed, strong. The superlatives are endless. The Dutch teenager has been mightily impressive and was even given the captaincy against Stoke City. 9/10
Matt Clarke
After the injury nightmare he endured, you have to give credit to Clarke who is playing consecutive games week-in, week-out, despite being out for over a year. He is showing his worth as a left-footed centre-back in the current system that has three at the back. 7/10
Paddy McNair
An example of how to conduct yourself as a footballer on an expiring contract. Consistent high performer, even though he is yet to be offered a new deal that will see him become a free-agent in the summer. Has been reintroduced into the side with Dael Fry out injured and has excelled in a back three that allows him to step out with the ball. 7.5/10
Lukas Engel
Similarly to Ayling, at full-back there is potential for a mistake at the back, but the wing-back set-up suits him and allows him to push higher up the pitch. Consistency is the key for Engel who will surely be all the better for getting his first Championship campaign under his belt. 6/10
Luke Thomas
Only featured five times since arriving, and has only lasted 90 minutes once, so difficult to accurately assess, but he has made too many mistakes and has not yet shown his worth in a Middlesbrough shirt. 4/10
Dael Fry
Hasn’t let the side down when he has played, but has missed a big chunk of games so far this year. Been injured since early February and on the current form of Clarke, Rav and McNair, he will find it hard to get back in. 6/10
Jonny Howson
As is always the case, Howson proves that Middlesbrough are a much better side when he is in it. The captain has led by example and his infectious style – even at 35 years old – helps to drag up the performance level of those around him. 8/10
Hayden Hackney
Carrick has really missed the talented young midfielder from Redcar. A frustrating campaign due to injury looked to be behind him when he returned in January, only to be sidelined again five games later in the defeat to Preston. Hayden has been involved in just one league win this year against Millwall, but he could be back after the international break. 5/10
Dan Barlaser
A divisive player amongst fans. No disputing his superb passing repertoire, but he can be guilty of wanting too long on the ball. He prefers to play as a deep-lying play-maker, but with Carrick often opting for two central midfielders, those with a more energetic style are preferred. 5/10
Lewis O’Brien
Been excellent since his return from injury. Bundles of energy and was player of the match in the win against Leicester. Formed a good playing relationship with Howson in Hackney’s absence. 7/10
Riley McGree
His return was so highly anticipated, such is his standing within this group. Finding his best form again and showed what he can do with a ripper against Birmingham. Always tries to make things happen. 7/10
Sam Greenwood
Worked tirelessly as a makeshift centre-forward at the start of the year. Got very little reward. Still a player in there, but with players back from injury, he now has to work his way back into the side. 5/10
Marcus Forss
The deadly striker has enjoyed his move into a more central position alongside Latte Lath. Predictably, he picked up a knock just as he was finding top gear. Hopefully the injury is not too bad and he can continue to add to this season’s tally. 7/10
Finn Azaz
Took one or two games to settle after his arrival in January, but has since shown his quality even if his form is a little sporadic. Capable of the spectacular, he will grow in this Middlesbrough set-up. Having to bide his time due to the current wing-back system. 6.5/10
Sami Silvera
For his first season in a brand new country and league, Silvera has done okay. He has made 30 appearances, 20 of those coming from the bench, which tells you how he is seen in terms of an impact player. Shown in glimpses what he is capable of this year, none more so than in the superb win at Leicester where he looked unplayable. More to come. 6/10
Emmanuel Latte Lath
Showed exactly why Middlesbrough looked so toothless without a number nine. A stop start season but he is now getting a run of games and proving his worth. Works hard and is improving, plays better with a partner. 7/10