Middlesbrough have returned to the Premier League with a bang. They performed well in their opening day clash with Stoke – although they drew 1-1 – and ran Sunderland ragged to come out 2-1 victors last Sunday. Aitor Karanka’s side have taken to the Premier League like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez took to Real Betis last weekend.
There will have been many backing Boro for relegation though, and, although always a possibility with newly promoted sides, that is looking pretty unlikely. Their signings this summer showed great ambition, which is always nice to see, isn’t it?
Predictions after two games are pretty tough, aren’t they? I mean, whatever happens they’re probably going to be wrong. Without using the rather tedious, defunct Leicester example, Premier League football is notoriously tricky to spot a pattern (outside of the top six, anyway) in. Clubs can hit the crest of a wave, collapse, or simply implode at any times (just ask Newcastle fans).
Well, I’m going to scrap my own advice.
Here are three reasons Middlesbrough will be a storming success this year…
Gary Goals
Alvaro Negredo is one of the greatest half-season wonders in Premier League history.
His first few months at Manchester City were simply wonderful, as he formed a telepathic, unplayable strike partnership with Sergio Aguero. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, it all went a little south from there and he has endured a bit of an up and down time since.
However, with a goal and two assists in his first two Premier League games, Negredo has proven he has still got it, and he could prove to be a brilliant focal point for the Boro attack. His link-up play is excellent and – if it is really worth anything – he is a proven Premier League finisher.
Oh yeah, Boro also have the prolific Jordan Rhodes waiting in the wings!
Cut above
Aitor Karanka has done a sterling job with Boro. Not only has he won promotion, but the Spaniard has instilled a style around his team, a trademark way of playing, if you will.
Tactically he is smart and he will be fully aware of the need to change systems and approaches throughout a Premier League season. Not afraid to make tough selection decisions, too, Karanka is a resilient enough man to manage a squad with an intriguing mix of reputations and personalities.
Just a hunch…
Investment for newly promoted sides is always a rather unique challenge. Bolstering the squad with players with Premier League experience without overspending is hard, and trying to sign the players with the ‘biggest’ reputations possible can often make it a rather tough man management task.
Middlesbrough have invested, or so it seems, rather shrewdly. Signing a few reputable players to go with their ‘tried and tested’ stars of last year gives the squad a nice balance. Defensively there will still be question marks and, perhaps, we will see another foray into the market.
Without going all QPR on it, Boro have made some eye-catching acquisitions this summer.
