Alvaro Negredo back to his best in Middlesbrough win

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The Boro forward won the most aerial battles and was the key creator for Aitor Karanka’s side.

Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win at the Riverside versus AFC Bournemouth was the first victory for Aitor Karanka’s men in nine games.

Boro sealed all three points and their second Premier League clean sheet in succession with a resolute all-round display.

The win, however, was down in no small part to Álvaro Negredo, as the number nine was involved in both of his side’s goals.

Since making the loan switch from Valencia in the summer, the 31-year-old made an early impression during his start to life on Teesside, with a goal and two assists in his first two games.

Saturday afternoon’s outing at the Riverside was his first major statistical contribution in eight league matches, and he was back to his best versus The Cherries.

Passing has never been the former Manchester City man’s forte, but his strength and hold-up play has.

As Middlesbrough continued to play through the middle, Negredo made two key passes as per WhoScored, creating the opening for Gaston Ramirez’ opener, before a glancing header down to lay the second on a plate for Stewart Downing.

His two created chances were only surpassed for the home side by midfielder Adam Forshaw, with three key passes over 90 minutes.

The striker however, won most aerial battles for Boro winning the ball five times against a Bournemouth side who had been unbeaten in the league in over a month.

Only visitors’ defender Steve Cook made more successful aerial challenges across the park, coming out on top on nine occasions, despite the 2-0 loss.

Álvaro Negredo’s place in the Middlesbrough starting line-up has in recent weeks come under question, with Viktor Fischer and Jordan Rhodes lurking in the shadows to take the Spaniard’s place.

After creating and spurning a host of chances versus Arsenal last weekend, Negredo continues to find the pockets and operate in the right areas.

Despite failing to score against Eddie Howe’s men, his contribution this weekend was enough to remind Karanka what a good piece of business his striker was.