Middlesbrough could be set to reap the rewards of finally having a recognised number nine back in the starting line-up.
Michael Carrick has had to find solutions to accommodate the loss of both of his main strikers for long periods during this Championship campaign. Emmanuel Latte Lath, a striker signed in the summer from Italian side Atalanta, has had a stop start first season in England, and has been out with ankle trouble since the Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea. Josh Coburn, the club’s alternative up top is still nursing a groin injury that saw him undergo a minor procedure over the Christmas period.
Thankfully for Carrick, after a number of-it has to be said-largely unsuccessful false-nine auditions, he can now return to having an out-and-out striker in the starting 11. Head Coach Carrick intimated just how influential Latte Lath can be as he welcomed his return to fitness. He told Journalist Craig Johns:
“Hopefully he can have a big say between now and the end of the season, along with all the other boys. Hopefully, that can make that little bit of a difference for us.”
Latte Lath has started the last two league games, and although the side are far from their best, you can already see just how effective a number nine is to the way that Middlesbrough play. The Ivorian is the club’s top scorer with eight goals in all competitions after he added to his tally in the morale-boosting win over Norwich on Wednesday evening.
What Emmanuel Latte Lath brings to the XI
He has a long way to go in his development, but has some raw attributes that mean he will be crucial to how Carrick’s side finish their Championship campaign. Even in the team’s poor display against Stoke, (Latte Lath’s first game back) we saw his willingness to run in behind. He rounded the goalkeeper and was unlucky not to score after he saw his effort cleared off the line during one attack.
His showing against Norwich, again was not impeccable but he got his goal and was a menace when he turned and ran at defenders. It is likely that Latte Lath will start the majority if not all of the remaining 11 league games now, so he has time to establish some continuity and confidence. He can run the channels and is always looking for space, so there is another option for the likes of Jonny Howson, Riley McGree, and Lewis O’Brien to drop balls over the top to exploit space behind the opposition defence.
To be blunt, even just the fact that the Middlesbrough striker possesses such electrifying pace adds another dimension to the way Carrick can approach games. Often they will aim to monopolise the possession and look for an opening with intricate, incisive attacking play. With the inclusion of Latte Lath and the soon to return Isaiah Jones, Middlesbrough will boast an embarrassment of riches in terms of pace in the side. Marcus Forss is no slouch either.
How Carrick can utilise the Ivorian’s strengths
The game against Norwich was interesting in terms of utilising Latte Lath’s strengths. In the early part of the game, Middlesbrough found themselves denied of any kind of possession. Carrick’s switch to a back 5 meant the midfield struggled to get a foothold, the wing-backs sat deep, leaving Boro’s number nine isolated.
As soon as Norwich received a red card, Middlesbrough were able to capitalise by pushing the wing-backs higher up the pitch and players were able to support more in attack. It also meant that right-winger Marcus Forss, essentially a striker by trade, was able to get closer to Latte Lath and cause problems.
If Carrick decides to stick with the system employed against Norwich, they will have to find a way of ensuring they provide plenty of support in attacking areas. Utilising the width from wing-backs will be key to that. That could mean we see Isaiah Jones brought in on the right hand side. That would add more attacking intent and also plenty of pace for quick breaks.
There is plenty of creativity at the club in the shape of players like McGree, Finn Azaz and Sam Greenwood that can help create chances for Latte Lath. He may be unpredictable at times, but he has scored with his left foot, his right foot and his head. He can score all types of goals, including the spectacular (as we saw versus Cardiff and Leeds). If he can stay injury free, Middlesbrough could just enjoy a late run of form. If they do go manage to put together a run of wins, you would bet on Latte Lath being instrumental in it.