Boro fans must keep an eye on a number of things in Russia this summer.
In just over a week’s time the World Cup in Russia kicks on June 14, and Middlesbrough fans should be keeping their eye on a number of things this summer, over the next month or so.
A new striker
Ashley Fletcher, Martin Braithwaite and Rudy Gestede all struggled to find their feet at the Riverside this season, while Britt Assombalonga and Patrick Bamford only managed a combined 28 goals all season.
Boro need a number one striker – a talisman – that can fire Boro back into the Premier League at the second time of asking. There is no better place to find that forward, and uncover a gem, than scouting the World Cup.
Kenneth Omeruo
The former Chelsea and Boro defender is set to represent Nigeria in Group D of the World Cup, where the 34-cap faces Iceland, Argentina and Croatia – three years after spending 18 months on loan at the Riverside.
Omeruo spent last season with SuperLig side Kasimpasa in Turkey and Boro fans should take a look at their former centre-back closely to see what they are missing out on.
Long-term replacement for Grant Leadbitter
A leader in Boro’s side, the last campaign has seen long-range shot specialist Leadbitter’s performances decline as the likes of Adam Clayton, Mo Besic and Jonny Howson are given preference.
That trio lack the leadership of Leadbitter and with only a year left on his contract, the Boro scouting team should begin to draw up a shortlist of possible replacements – starting by scouring this summer’s competition.
Cristhian Stuani
Former Boro striker Stuani has been in absolutely explosive form for La Liga side Girona throughout 2017-18, scoring 21 goals in 33 league games – and now he has been given the call up to Uruguay’s squad.
Now 31 years of age, Stuani struggled to find any kind of consistency on Teesside, scoring only 16 goals in 67 games. Leaving Boro last summer, fans can now judge whether they regret letting Stuani leave.
George Friend becoming less effective – a new left-back is crucial
Again, like a new striker and Leadbitter’s replacement, Boro also need a left-sided defender with Friend’s effectiveness going forward becoming less and less meaningful.
Indeed, the World Cup is likely to promote attacking full-backs – which seems to be the norm at international level – and a defensively astute left-footer that is equally as important going forward could be the difference between top six and the rest.
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