The Middlesbrough star who had the perfect response to new competition in January
Just as Middlesbrough has initiated their much-needed revival, Neto Borges has firmly seized the nettle.
The Brazilian defender has finally reached his peak performance and is assuming the form that Michael Carrick had always envisioned.
Borges may be experiencing an unexpected surge in performance due to the probable competition for the left-back position with the returning Ryan Giles.
Borges had experienced competition from Lukas Engel earlier in the season; however, Engel’s prolonged injury allowed Borges to establish himself in the position.
Nevertheless, the advent of Giles in January eliminated any uncertainty regarding the expectation that Borges would demonstrate superior performance. He could not have responded more clinically.
The objective for Neto at this time is to demonstrate that he can sustain this level of performance for the duration of the campaign and, in the process, fortify Boro’s left flank.
Given the recent rash of defensive injuries, it is imperative that all fit defenders are at the top of their game.
Carrick’s tenure has been marked by a dearth of defenders on numerous occasions, and the current situation is particularly distressing.
It is somewhat callous, particularly in light of the fact that Carrick did not perceive the necessity of recruiting additional center-backs in January, with the exception of ensuring that George Edmundson’s transfer was definitive. Additionally, the head coach felt secure in permitting Matt Clarke to transfer to Derby County.
However, Boro have coped with it before and presumably can manage it again in these vital last two months of the campaign.
Carrick did place the emphasis in giving the side more attacking options in January following the departure of Emmanuel Latte Lath.
It has not worked out as well as Carrick might have hoped but it is encouraging to see Morgan Whittaker at last starting to come to terms with his move to Teesside.
Whittaker was a setback in his first couple of games but he is beginning to look the part and becoming a vital player in the side.
If he can start netting the kind of goals which he put away at Plymouth then Whittaker can truly establish himself in the line-up.
In terms of scoring goals, it’s vital that Tommy Conway remains fit until the conclusion of the campaign because his exploits will be crucial to the cause.
If not for his mid-season injury then Conway might have been looking at a 20-goal tally by early May.
However, he still has a significant role to perform and so does Finn Azaz, who with great relief has put himself back on the rails.
Azaz is a crucial element in the machinery. Boro need him working his pants off in and around the box and also putting away those chances like he did magnificently with his winning goal against the Rams.
His goal took him into double figures, alongside Conway. Hopefully the duo will continue to do the business at the upper end of the pitch.
Carrick’s mission now is to attempt to get the best out of two of the other January acquisitions – Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Iling-Junior.
Both were signed with a view to adding energy to the Boro attack but so far they have yet to indicate that they have got what it takes to hold down regular positions in the line-up.
Iheanacho has undoubtedly been developing. No doubt he will continue to make a larger impact as he receives more pitch time.
But Boro need the transformation to happen soon. Iling-Senior has a respectable pedigree, like Iheanacho, and so is capable of making a contribution if he can earn himself pitch time.
The competition is up front is valuable. Hopefully Carrick can cope with the defensive problems as Boro again cast their sights towards the top six.
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