Middlesbrough’s August Review: width needed

With a two-week break from the Championship for internationals, this is a good time to review how all 24 teams have looked in their first five league games. Here’s our assessment of Middlesbrough.

What we said in pre-season

“Middlesbrough have more attacking quality than their defensive tactics last year led many to think. They have added good strikers to a sturdy rear-guard, putting them in the best position of the three relegated clubs. 2nd“

Have they surprised us so far?

Considering that Boro were widely tipped for automatic promotion, it is understandable that some are underwhelmed by their start. Only Birmingham have scored fewer than their four in five league games, despite the Teessiders spending north of £30 million this summer on goalscorers. Ashley Fletcher, Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga all joined but, for different reasons, the first two have started just twice between them. Assombalonga meanwhile, has had his chances but is yet to show the predatory instincts we saw from him at Nottingham Forest.

The positives

Middlesbrough have been both promoted and relegated with a far better defensive record than their competitors. Organizations looks like their strong suit again with young centre-backs Dael Fry and Ben Gibson forming a fine partnership, highlighting the importance of keeping the latter. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph looks a positive addition, as does Cyrus Christie, who has put in some energetic displays at right-back.

The negatives

As well as Christie has done, the team is too reliant on him and George Friend to provide width. Garry Monk has tried to crowbar three central forwards into the team, but there is no space for them when pragmatic opponents congest those areas. The best opportunities for Boro to attack are in wide areas, yet there is a dearth of quick wingers in the squad.

Late business?

If reports are anything to go by, Monk must be working hard to strengthen in those wide areas. Oxford United have reportedly turned down a bid for mercurial left-winger Marvin Johnson while Scott Sinclair may also be a target.

The Football Lab’s Grade

Leeds recovered swiftly from a bad August last year and now that Monk is managing the division’s biggest spenders, he had better hope that his new club responds just as quickly. No more excuses, Boro. E