It is very early to make any snap judgements on what we have been served up so far by the Middlesbrough teams fielded by Michael Carrick in the first four friendlies. However, there are often subtle little details that may offer some insights into what we can expect of some players as the kick-off to the new Championship campaign draws closer.
Which Middlesbrough players featured most in pre-season?
Only two players have featured in all of Boro’s pre-season’s friendlies (excluding the Vitoria match which was behind closed doors). Club captain, Jonny Howson? The ever reliable Darragh Lenihan? Experienced Tommy Smith? None of the above. It was in fact a young pair of Jacks. Midfielder, Jack Stott and centre-back, Jack Hannah. It could of course be circumstance, as Carrick has blooded a number of academy talents this summer as he continues to back up his claims of giving youth a chance.
However, those two in particular have aquitted themselves very well, grabbing their chance to impress. They know that, at this club, if you are good enough, you are old enough and having seen Hayden Hackney come in and dominate games like he has, they already have evidence that a path to first team football exists. Both players highlighted have been with he club from a tender age, they will be desperate to pull on the red and white for the senior team this season.
Stott, in particular, has drawn plaudits from commentator and former Boro midfielder, Neil Maddison. BBC Tees released a tweet with Maddison’s quotes on the youngster. It read, “”Three games in, he’s the player we’re talking about. He’s a tough kid, with pace and a great passing range. I feel a loan is best, he’d be comfortable at League One level.”
Brightest Boro performances
Sam Silvera has travelled across the world to link up with Middlesbrough. Arriving from Australia’s A-League, the pacy wide man has had no hangover though and has been bright with his movement, direct with the ball and even rounded off a good performance with a goal against Rotherham. You can see the eagerness to impress. He will provide competition for countryman Riley McGree or may even force Boro boss to contemplate moving McGree across to the right.
Another who has looked impressive is Morgan Rogers. Arriving as someone who normally plays wide on the left, Rogers has definitely been deployed centrally during friendlies and his movement and presence has caused problems up front and in fairness he has looked at home. Could Carrick re-position the former City player? We have been here before haven’t we?
Hayden Hackney-in the absence of his regular midfield partner Jonny Howson-has looked very commanding in the centre of the pitch. It is quite unbelievable to think that he only came into the team under caretaker Head Coach, Leo Percovich. in October of 2022. Since making his league debut against Birmingham, Hackney has only had three matches where he didn’t start. One he was an unused substitute, and the other two he came on against Millwall (51st min) and Huddersfield (Half Time).
Middlesbrough’s left-back void
With the Ryan Giles ‘will he, won’t he?’ saga rumbling on, Carrick is using the opportunity to have a close look at the other left-backs at the club’s disposal. There is no getting away from the fact that Giles; should he not return, will be a huge loss. But that presents a chance for Sam Collins, Bryant Bilongo and Hayden Coulson who have all started a game each during pre-season.
All have given a decent account of themselves, but it was Coulson who has made marginally the most eye-catching performance, linking well with Sam Silvera, teeing him up for his goal against Rotherham. It is unclear at this stage whether those three are playing for a role as understudy or for the first team. Much depends on the transfer market moves between now and the start of the season.