Middlesbrough signed Delano Burgzorg over the summer and the Dutchman can add a lot of versatility to Michael Carrick’s forward line.
Middlesbrough completed the bulk of their summer transfer business before their 2024 pre-season got underway.
Michael Carrick has so far signed three first-team players and added Harley Hunt to the club’s academy ranks.
Luke Ayling was the first name through the door at the Riverside Stadium, closely followed by Delano Burgzorg.
Middlesbrough completed a move for the Dutchman on June 14th, 2024, agreeing a transfer with German outfit Mainz 05 for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old played for numerous clubs before signing for Boro, impressing in various positions across the forward line.
With this in mind, Boro News have taken a look at three ways Middlesbrough could use Burgzorg in the 2024/25 Championship season.
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Delano Burgzorg as the striker
Burgzorg has previously played 64 games for various clubs while operating as a striker.
While on loan at Huddersfield Town in 2023/24, Burgzorg was deployed as a central striker to great success.
He scored seven and assisted two in 33 Championship games, a solid record considering how bad the now-relegated Terriers were as a squad last season.
Middlesbrough are looking to sign another striker in the summer transfer window but they may already have the perfect competition for Emmanuel Latte Lath on their books.
Delano Burgzorg on the left wing
Burgzorg’s natural position and the one he has operated in most during his career is left-wing.
He has played there on 80 occasions, scoring 18 goals and providing three assists for different teams.
Middlesbrough are currently lacking quality depth in that area now Sam Greenwood and Sammy Silvera have left the Reds this summer.
As a result, Carrick may need to deploy Burgzorg out wide in the upcoming campaign.
Riley McGree, who signed a new contract this week, has played on that flank before, but Boro’s summer signing is currently the best option for that role.
Delano Burgzorg on the right wing
Burgzorg is capable of playing all across the front line, though the right wing is perhaps his least comfortable position.
However, he may be required to fill in on that side in 2024/25, at least in the early stages of the campaign.
Marcus Forss was Middlesbrough’s primary right winger in 2023/24, scoring seven in 21, but missed the end of the season due to injury.
The Finn is yet to fully recover from said issue and is not currently taking part in first-team training.
As a result, he may miss, or at least not be up to match speed for Boro’s Championship opener versus Swansea on August 10th.
Isaiah Jones is the natural replacement for Forss, but if the Englishman is not fit or underperforming, as he has done previously, Carrick could look to deploy Burgzorg on the right.