‘Boro’s Spanish forward travels to his old club Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo in action with Bournemouth’s Steve Cook
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has praised striker Álvaro Negredo for his current work-rate, ahead of the Spaniard’s reunion with former employers Manchester City at the weekend.
The ‘Boro manager told a press conference, reported via The Sports Mole, he was keen not to underestimate his compatriot’s contribution to the side, despite not having scored for the club since the opening day of the season.
Karanka had in the last month stated that the 31 year-old forward need to work harder to guarantee a starting place, but it seems the Valencia loanee is doing more than enough for the moment.
As Negredo heads back to the Etihad Stadium this Saturday, Karanka said: “It is a big game for Alvaro to go back to City. But for me, the best thing is to see how hard he is working for the team.”
Alvaro Negredo celebrates after scoring the second goal for Manchester City
The former Real Madrid and Sevilla man spent a full season in Manchester following his switch from Sevilla in July 2013.
He scored nine Premier League goals in 32 appearances for The Citizens, adding to a strike-force of Kun Agüero and Edin Dzeko.
After Negredo’s performance levels dropped towards the end of the 2013/14 campaign, the forward was subject to criticism from Manchester City fans.
He was subsequently loaned out to Valencia the following season, going on to make a permanent switch a year later.
Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo celebrates scoring their first goal
Having scored just ten goals in La Liga during the course of two years at Estadio Mestella, the striker made the return to England on loan this summer.
Álvaro Negredo has struggled for goals this term, foraging a frustrated path alone up front. The Spaniard has been starved of service, however has shown he is still one of the most physical and intelligent forwards around.
Returning to form in Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth at the Riverside last weekend, Negredo unselfishly set up Stewart Downing for ‘Boro’s second, nodding a cushioned header for the former England international.
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing celebrates scoring their second goal with Alvaro Negredo
Karanka has pointed towards team ethic as the reason behind their taking four points from the last two domestic games, but also emphasizes the importance that the fans recognize so, particular Negredo’s contribution.
The ‘Boro boss adds, “When Stewart Downing scored last weekend, he pointed to Alvaro to show the crowd the part he had to play in the goal.”
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