As Middlesbrough’s lacklustre start to the season continues, should Aitor Karanka look to change the Boro’s playing style in order to start picking up points?
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
After picking up just six points from their first eight games, Middlesbrough’s return to the Premier League hasn’t quite started the way many Boro fans would like. With just one win so far this season, and no wins at home, Middlesbrough’s are starting to wonder what their manager, Aitor Karanka, might change.
Since Karanka joined the club, Boro have rarely strayed from the Spaniards trusted 4-2-3-1, and a potential change in style could potentially destabilise the team. That being said, let’s take a look at the merits on Karanka’s stick or twist.
Alvaro Negredo of Middlesbrough
Stick: As mentioned previously, Middlesbrough have always played the same system under Aitor Karanka. It’s clearly what the Spaniard knows best, likely derived from his days under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. Two holding midfielders to win the ball back and break up opposition attacks, wingers who cut inside, and a number 10 linked the striker with midfield, have all been regular Boro tactics and are likely to be the roles that Karanka’s team know best. Changing a trusted system, which some Boro players have had years to adapt to, could be potentially suicidal in the Premier League, so perhaps sticking with what they know best and trusting in the team to get it right would be the best move.
Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani celebrates scoring their first goal with Viktor Fischer
Twist: If there’s one thing you need in the Premier League, it’s goals, and this is something Boro have so far found it hard to come by. The problem, many Boro fans would suggest, is not necessarily down to the quality of forwards at the club, but the fact that Boro persist with playing just one up top.
Boro have a host of goal scorers available to them, such as Alvaro Negredo, Christian Stuani and Jordan Rhodes, so perhaps Karanka could consider changing his system to suit two strikers. A move to a more defensive system, such as 4-4-2 or even a 5-3-2, would not only sure up Boro’s defences, but also provide Karanka’s side with a little more firepower.
Middlesbrough’s Jordan Rhodes celebrates with team mates after scoring their third goal
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