Morgan Whittaker could make his Middlesbrough debut against Sunderland on Monday evening, and it will be interesting to see how Michael Carrick integrates him into the team.
An original £5 million signing from Plymouth Argyle, he represents a significant acquisition for Boro this month, as they outbid Burnley for the promising 24-year-old attacker, who has scored 24 goals in the last 18 months. However, as a right-sided forward, where does he fit in with the current Boro squad?
Whittaker’s entrance this month feels like it came at the right time. A long-term Boro target, he was available during this window because Plymouth needed the finances to reinvest in their own squad, so it was now or never.
Boro sold Isaiah Jones earlier in the summer, but they didn’t really need another right winger. Marcus Forss has returned to fitness, while Ben Doak, who has nailed down the job so far this season, will now undoubtedly stay until the end of the season.
Longer term, Whittaker is expected to replace Doak when the Scotland international returns to Liverpool. Until then, Boro have the luxury of having both attacking stars, and it will be interesting for Michael Carrick to see how he will get the most out of both at once.
“We’re excited and a big fan of Morgan, which is why we made such an effort to bring him here,” the owner of the club said. “We know what he can do and what his characteristics are. What’s amazing is seeing how we can help him improve and produce even more.
“We have good offensive players, which is evident from the number of chances and goals we’ve created this season. We have a strong variety, versatility, and guys who can play together in various positions. We believe that is a particularly powerful component of our organization right now.
“He’s adaptable. He can play both wide and within the pitch. He definitely possesses a terrific left foot, which he has used to score many fantastic goals, including game-winning goals. We are pleased to have that on our team.In those tight games where we need something a little different or exceptional, he certainly has it. He’s adaptable and fits in well; he can comfortably play multiple positions and roles, which was part of the appeal.”
That is not an insignificant factor. We’ve discussed Boro’s lack of a backup plan numerous times this season as they struggle to break down teams. While Doak is a traditional winger who beats his man down the line before looking for a cutback from the byline, Whittaker will play the right wing very differently.
He is primarily left-footed, enjoys coming inside, and has an eye for a long-range screamer. In that sense, having different options can help Boro in tight games where they are trying to break through.
Given their respective strengths, you’re likely to want both players on the field at the same time. In that respect, Boro’s forwards’ adaptability can be advantageous.
Whittaker can also play as a 10, and considering how Carrick like his left-sided attacker to move inside, he may perhaps be deployed in that role as well. Finn Azaz has also played that left-sided role in a Boro shirt, albeit with less success. Perhaps his current form and reconnection with Whittaker can boost his confidence and help him have future success in that capacity, allowing Whittaker to play at 10. After receiving a lot of attention from defenders recently, the switch could be beneficial to Azaz.
Doak has also played on the left, for Scotland and, briefly, for Boro. There’s no reason Boro can’t be completely interchangeable with their forward line, possibly even in-game at times, in order to be less predictable than they have been this season.
Of course, all of this only takes into account three of Boro’s superb attacking players. Delano Burgzorg has been in excellent form recently, and while he may need to cover up top on Monday, he will not want to give up his left-sided duty so quickly. Riley McGree continues to suffer from injury frustration, but he hopes to return and make a significant contribution before the end of the season. The aforementioned Forss will be aiming to finally get his campaign off.
Carrick’s problem is undoubtedly a good one, but it is still a problem. His Boro squad boasts an impressive assortment of attacking talent. Now he must figure out how to get the most out of them so they don’t squander their top-six potential.
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