Pundit Trevor Sinclair has delivered his verdict on Middlesbrough skipper George Friend after a somewhat contrasting performance against Sunderland.
Middlesbrough’s George Friend in action
Aitor Karanka’s newly-promoted side emerged victorious 2-1 in the derby tussle at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
It means Boro have picked up four points from their first two games back in the big time while David Moyes’ side have lost both.
There was much debate before and after the game over whether Sunderland treated the match as a derby in the same way the visitors did.
Trevor Sinclair
Sinclair feared for Friend
And key to that was Boro favourite and captain George Friend, according to former Premier League star turned pundit Trevor Sinclair.
The ex West Ham United and Manchester City winger told BBC’s Match of the Day he feared for the left-back in the early stages after new Black Cats signing Adnan Januzaj got the better of him on more than one occasion.
But Sinclair felt it was the way Friend turned things around which summed up Middlesbrough’s performance.
Middlesbrough skipper George Friend
‘He’s got the armband and he’s wearing it well’
“It was more the reaction (I enjoyed), he (Friend) started the game very poorly – or Januzaj started very well – and he ran him ragged a couple of times early doors and I thought this is going to be a very uncomfortable afternoon for him,” he said on MOTD.
“I thought he’s going to have to change his game here and he does do that. (He showed great) tenacity, great distribution. What impressed me as well, this is a captain this, he doesn’t mind putting his head in where it hurts.
“For me he’s a great advert for any young defender and that’s why he’s been rewarded with a new contract because he’s been so disciplined and so consistent with his performances and leading by example. He’s got the armband and he’s wearing it well.”
Friend gets stuck in
Friend encapsulates vital team spirit
Friend, 28, was handed a new deal until 2020 and sums up the kind of team spirit Karanka’s side will need to be a success on their return to the English top flight.
On signing his new deal, Friend insisted he is just ‘keeping the armband warm for Grant Leadbitter’ who is recovering from a hernia operation.
England manager Sam Allardyce
Could Sam come calling?
Friend’s performance and the spirit he showed proved why he is such a fans’ favourite.
New England boss Sam Allardyce has insisted all players will be considered for selection for the national side under his stewardship.
And if Friend can consistently show the kind of form he displayed against Sunderland, a surprise call-up may well be on the cards.
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