Middlesbrough winger Viktor Fischer believes he took his big chance

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The former Ajax star caught the eye for Boro against West Ham on Saturday.

Middlesbrough’s summer signing Viktor Fischer believes that he showed what he is capable of against West Ham United on Saturday, as the adroit Denmark international starred in Boro’s 1-1 draw at the Olympic Stadium.

Fischer has endured some early teething problems whilst getting to grips with the Premier League’s taxing physical demands since his summer move from the Eredivisie, however, manager Aitor Karanka chose to hand the Ajax academy graduate his second league start of the season in East London at the weekend, and it is an opportunity that the jet-heeled youngster took with both hands.

Deployed in a largely unfamiliar second-striker role, Fischer was tasked with playing on the shoulder of forward Jordan Rhodes, who lead the line for Boro against The Hammers. The £3.8million summer signing quickly acclimatised to his new position, and Fischer’s blistering pace and balletic dribbling caused all sorts of problems for the West Ham back four, as Boro looked to hit the home side on the break.

Karanka’s gamble ultimately paid off, as Middlesbrough held out for a valuable away point at the Olympic Stadium, with Fischer playing an instrumental role in an accomplished team display before he was withdrawn late in the second-half.

Following his expert showing against The Hammers, Fischer told Danish news site Tipsbladet (as quoted by the GazetteLive) that he believes he took his golden opportunity for Boro after putting in plenty of hard work behind the scenes in training:

“Saturday was a chance to prove my place.” The winger said.

“I have worked insanely hard training, and the results have not completely gone for the team in the other matches.

“It was a golden opportunity to prove that I can be something else, and I can give something to the team. I think it went really well, but there are also many things that need to be improved.

“I have to hold on to the momentum I have now.”

After playing in a variety of roles for the Denmark national team and his former club Ajax, Fischer is confident that he can successfully juggle between operating as a traditional winger and a number 10 for his new club over the coming months:

“I think I can both do well on the left and and in the 10,” Fischer added.

“It depends on who is playing in the other positions, but of course there are differences in positions. If you want to be an accomplished footballer, you must be able to know the nuances and differences in the two positions.

“I must be able to adapt fast – but I believe that I can play both positions.”

Middlesbrough fans will hope that the exciting young winger can build upon his encouraging showing against West Ham when the Teesiders take to the field against Watford following the international break.

Aitor Karanka’s newly-promoted side currently sit in 16th position, having won just one of their opening seven Premier League fixtures, and they will have to start picking up some victories quickly if they are to avoid being drawn into a relegation dogfight this season.