One of Middlesbrough’s 2024 summer transfers could hold the key to unlocking a player’s full potential in 2024/25.
Middlesbrough have been active on the transfer front this summer with three new players already signed.
Michael Carrick wanted the majority of his summer business done early to avoid a repeat of the 2023 window and so far, Steve Gibson has backed him.
Boro have brought in Aidan Morris from Columbus Crew, Luke Ayling from Leeds United, and Delano Burgzorg from Mainz 05.
Perhaps the best business the North East outfit can do this summer, however, is keep hold of their top players from last season.
The Teessiders failed to make the playoffs in 2023/24 and a key reason for this was the likes of Chuba Akpom, Cameron Archer, and Aaron Ramsey all leaving the club.
Said players were all key to Boro reaching the play-off semi-finals the season prior and Carrick needed time to replace them.
In the current window, however, Middlesbrough have so far been able to maintain the likes of Rav van den Berg, Hayden Hackney, and Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Rav van den Berg was key player for Middlesbrough last season
As already mentioned, Van den Berg was one of Middlesbrough’s best players in the previous campaign.
The 19-year-old signed from Dutch outfit PEC Zwolle and proved an instant hint on Teesside.
The defender slotted seamlessly into Boro’s backline despite his limited experience, being dubbed ‘terrific’ by Carrick, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “I’m hugely impressed. He’s a terrific individual, really grounded and humble, terrific character and great attitude.
“He has a real calming influence but is quite sure of himself in a really good way as well.”
Van den Berg also endeared himself to the Middlesbrough faithful, being voted the Player of the Year for 2023/24.
Luke Ayling can unlock Van den Berg potential
While Van den Berg enjoyed a fruitful debut season in the North East, it could have been even better.
Injury issues in the first half of 2023/24 meant the centre-back was forced to play at right-back 14 times last term.
However, the permanent signing of Ayling from Leeds over the summer should now have fixed Carrick’s issues in that area.
Ayling joined the club on loan in the second half of 2023/24, allowing Van den Berg to slot back into his natural role in the centre of defence.
It is no coincidence that Boro lost just one of their last 12 league games with Ayling and the Dutchman playing side by side.
And now the Leeds man will be at the Riverside for a full campaign, we should see Van den Berg impressive even more in 2024/25.