Aitor Karanka’s side have a lot to do before they cement their status as a Premier League team.
Picking up 18 points from 19 games, the margins could be tight for Middlesbrough come May.
And, if their first five months back in the Premier League has taught Aitor Karanka anything, it’s that his renowned pragmatism could make or break their survival hopes.
Start to the season
You could forgive Boro fans for getting a little overexcited during the summer. After all, their long-awaited top flight return was merely one of a vast array of intriguing plot points, the marquee arrivals of Victor Valdes, Alvaro Negredo and Martin ‘The Beast of Bergamo’ De Roon only adding to the anticipation.
However, the majority of Middlesbrough’s performances in the first half of the season should have been enough to slow down the pulse rate. With just four wins, Boro are the very definition of solid if not spectacular.
But they’ll need more than drab stalemates against West Brom and one-goal wins against Hull to retain their top flight status.
Performance of the manager
Either an intelligent tactical operator whose success is built on a sturdy defence or an overly cautious pragmatist who needs to embrace two-up-top, Aitor Karanka has succeeded in slicing the supporters down the middle.
And, in truth, both sides have a point. Boro’s solidity ensures they won’t be on the wrong end of too many humbling’s though the assistant to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid should look to cut loose on occasion and permit a great deal more freedom to the attacking talents at his disposal.
However, recent improvements suggest he’s starting to strike the right balance.
Team performance of the season
Holding Manchester City and Arsenal to draws at their own ground, Boro must be commended for their fearless approach in the big boys’ back gardens. Yet, the 3-0 hammering of Swansea in December displayed a real attacking verve that has been lacking for most of the season, capped by a swivelling volleyed opener by Negredo.
Star Player
Frozen out by Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton, Gaston Ramirez then proceeded to fall out with Steve Bruce at Hull before dropping down a division to reignite his career. And, after helping Boro to promotion, the Uruguayan is finally starting to show why the Saints were so keen to splurge a club-record fee on him in 2012.
In short, Ramirez can be the difference between one point and three, epitomised by his dazzling solo goal against Bournemouth and a sharp headed matchwinner versus Hull.
Where to strengthen in January?
Up front. There’s a reason only Hull and Sunderland, two of the bottom three, have located the net fewer times than Boro. Negredo is the top scorer with just five while David Nugent and Jordan Rhodes look set for swift returns to the second tier in January.
Likelihood of strengthening in January?
Karanka hinted at minor tweaks rather than a major reshuffle in the New Year but, if Boro recoup the £9 million they paid Blackburn for Rhodes’ underused services this time last year (BBC), they’ll have a well-sized wad to play with.
Challenges ahead
Boro have failed to score in over a third of their Premier League matches this season. And, unless Negredo finds consistent form for the first time since his Sevilla days, Karanka may find that a solid back five is not enough to stay clear of the relegation dogfight.
Predicted finish
14th. With Ben Gibson commanding the troops on the last line and former Barcelona shot-stopper Victor Valdes guarding the goals, Boro’s backline puts that of the relegation rivals to shame. A strong defensive record earned their promotion and it should seal their survival too.
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