Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick was blown away by Aston Villa loanee Cameron Archer as the striker bagged a brace in last night’s 3-1 win against Championship rivals Sheffield United.
Speaking to Teeside Live, the former Manchester United interim boss was full of praise for the 21-year-old attacker, who played a huge role in Boro’s massive result against Sheffield United in what was a top-three Championship clash, with Archer scoring the two goals that would secure the result for Carrick’s side at Bramall Lane.
Carrick said about Archer’s performance: “I thought he was terrific, Cam, and showed everything he is about. Credit to him, he’s a terrific lad who’s settled really quickly and loves it here. He’s a big part of the group and I thought his performance in terms of his movement and finishing was excellent. He’s smart and he’s clever.
The former England international later added: “His link-up play and all-round game, for being a little bit smaller, he uses his body really well. All round it was a really good performance and getting his goals is obviously a massive lift for him.”
With three goals and two assists since joining Middlesbrough on loan, Archer has found his feet in the Championship with one of the best sides in the division as well as under one of the most exciting young coaches in England, and this latest performance could mean big things for the Villa loanee.
Indeed, with Boro one of the favourites to gain promotion back to the Premier League this season, Carrick leading the Riverside club back to the top flight could mean a permanent move for Archer, who could be tempted to leave Villa for good if it means a shot at playing regular football.
Archer display vs Sheffield United might have turned his career on it’s head
Archer has long been viewed as a striker with the potential to play in the Premier League, and the attacker’s most recent performance for Boro in the Championship might have just changed the forward’s career for the better, with a permanent move away from Villa now extremely likely.
After all, Archer has impressed massively since joining Carrick in the Championship last month, and whilst Villa might want to keep hold of the youngster in the future, the player himself likely knows that a move in the summer could be ideal for his career.
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