Middlesbrough were certainly busy during the summer transfer window.
During that particular market, no fewer than 12 new players were added to Michael Carrick‘s squad for the current campaign.
Since making those moves to The Riverside Stadium, there have been varying fortunes for those to have joined the club in the summer.
While some have become key players for Middlesbrough, others have been hampered by injury, or found themselves playing back up roles.
Since his arrival at the club in the summer, Alex Gilbert is one of those who has found himself largely waiting for an opportunity to show what he can do for ‘Boro.
Alex Gilbert waiting for his Middlesbrough chance
Back in the summer, Gilbert made the move to Middlesbrough as a free agent, following his departure from Brentford.
The midfielder signed a four-year contract that has secured his future at The Riverside Stadium until the end of the 2026/27 season.
Since making that move however, the 22-year-old has found opportunities hard to come by. While he was described as a ‘big part’ of the Middlesbrough squad by Carrick in January amid speculation about a loan move, that has yet to be seen on the pitch.
So far, Gilbert has made just nine first-team appearances for ‘Boro this season. All of those have been as a substitute.
However, there could be a strong argument that the midfielder now ought to be given a show of faith by Carrick, to get some starts for Middlesbrough between now and the end of the season.
Michael Carrick ought to give midfielder a go
Given the way things now look for ‘Boro in the Championship table, now could be a good time to give Gilbert a chance.
As things stand, Middlesbrough are 12th in the standings. They are currently ten points adrift of the play-off places, and nine clear of the relegation zone.
That therefore, means there appears to be little more to target for Carrick’s side, between now and the end of the season.
This could make now a good time to give Gilbert some starts in the league. With the pressure off with little to play for, he has some extra time and freedom to adapt to the nature of division, and the way his side play.
Doing so could then ensure that the midfielder is better prepared to play a part for Middlesbrough at this level, when the pressure is on from the start of next season.
Indeed, the fact he has come through the ranks at a Premier League club such as Brentford, does suggest he has the potential to go far in the game, and make a positive impact for ‘Boro.
Alternatively, it may show Carrick and co. that he is not quite ready for this level just yet. That in turn would allow them to prepare for the summer transfer window.
They may be able to source a loan move for Gilbert that allows him to develop, and identify the right number of targets and options they need to ensure they have enough depth in midfield.
It has been a frustrating time for the 22-year-old since he arrived at the club in the summer.
Giving him some starts now though, could both ease that, and allow Middlesbrough to make the right preparations for next season.