Boro boss Aitor Karanka has a selection dilemma to contend with before naming his side to play West Ham on Saturday.
A promising start to Middlesbrough’s season has been dashed by three consecutive defeats for Aitor Karanka’s men.
The team have performed poorly, and whilst they have looked fragile defensively, one of the chief problems facing the Teessiders is the lack of support for frontman Alvaro Negredo when Boro find themselves on the attack.
This is a responsibility that falls mainly on the shoulders of the three attacking midfielders that play as part of the manager’s 4-2-3-1 system, usually Stewart Downing, Gaston Ramirez and Christian Stuani. Though all three players have come in for criticism at certain points in the past few weeks, it appears to be on the right side of midfield where Middlesbrough’s most pressing issue lies.
Stuani has looked a shadow of the player that scored a double in the Tyne-Wear derby last month, and against Tottenham in particular his inability to keep possession of the ball in attack and unpredictability when tracking back to defend worried fans and his boss alike. The mediocrity of the Uruguayan’s performance was highlighted when in the second half he was moved to play as a forward to allow new signing Adama Traore to replace him on the wing.
The Spaniard’s introduction was a spark for Middlesbrough finding their feet in the game, increasing their intensity and finally beginning to trouble the Tottenham defenders. The 20 year-old lit up the Riverside with his explosive speed, and despite the game finishing 2-1 to the visitors, Traore’s performances had left a hint of optimism.
In the run-up to their match with West Ham at London Stadium this weekend, Boro fans have voiced their desire to see Traore be given a chance to impress from the start – but who should Karanka select in what has been described as a must-win game for both sides?
Stick with Stuani?
As the team prepare for a crunch match in East London this weekend, Stuani is the man in possession of the starting berth, and is a player that Karanka rates very highly. Not only was he the match-winner in Boro’s only victory so far this season against Sunderland, he was also the man who came up with the goal that secured Middlesbrough’s promotion against Brighton at the end of last year.
The 29-year-old may be slightly heavy-footed on the ball and clumsy in the tackle at times, but unlike Adama who is yet to complete a full 90 minutes in Middlesbrough red, Stuani has had a season to adjust to the Spanish manager’s style of football.
Try out Traore?
Despite it coming early in the season, fans of both teams are fully aware of the boost that three points could provide. Traore may be unproven, but if Karanka is looking to spring a surprise on West Ham in order to come out on top, then the ex-Barcelona wide man could prove a secret weapon. His pace can bring more support to the striker Negredo, who cut a lonely figure for long periods against Tottenham.
Question marks remain as to whether Traore can continue to power up and down the pitch for an entire match, and his end product could do with some improvement, but Adama has put forward a strong case to make the starting XI, and the fans buzz with excitement when the ball is at his feet.
Re-position Ramirez?
This would represent a more significant reshuffling of Karanka’s pack. Gaston has started in each of Boro’s fixtures so far this season playing down the centre, but has had limited effect on the matches since the opening game against Stoke City. Moving the playmaker to the right side is an option, the Uruguayan has had success in the position before and can deliver a dangerous ball with his left foot.
But who would fill the shoes of Ramirez in the centre? Well, Karanka could turn to youngster Viktor Fischer, another player whom fans are keen to see blooded in centre stage. The Danish international could provide more pace through the the spine of Boro’s attack, allowing for more direct attacking football.
Alternatively, Adam Forshaw could slot into this position and lend more of a hand to the team’s defensive midfielders. Forshaw has impressed so far this season, but while he is a very busy all-action footballer, Middlesbrough might miss the more physical stature of Ramirez to compete for aerial balls next to striker Negredo.
Boss Karanka has plenty of options to choose from to start at right-midfield in their coming match, but no player is standing out as the obvious candidate to fill the void. One thing that is certain is that he must pick the right player for the match in order to give his side the best chance of picking up some much needed points against West Ham.
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