MIDDLESBROUGH SUMMER TRANSFER PRIORITY CLEAR AFTER FOUR-YEAR HIGH THIS SEASON

The task of building a tighter defence will surely be one of Michael Carrick’s priorities during the summer.

Middlesbrough have already conceded more goals this season than in any of the three previous campaigns. Despite the wholehearted effort against Leeds United, Boro still looked wide open at the back at times.

Of course, we know that the Boro defence is the main area where the injuries have hit this season. But 60 goals conceded at this stage is still high and it cannot be repeated next season if Boro are to develop into a promotion-chasing side.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough summer transfer decisions in focus after entertaining Leeds United defeat

The problem wasn’t so obvious last season when Boro were scoring goals for fun. Defensive errors didn’t matter too much because the team’s positive approach and strong attack enabled them to outscore opponents.

Maybe, at full strength, the Boro defence will be a lot tighter if Carrick is able to select his line-up from the current members of the squad. But with Paddy McNair expected to move on, and doubts over the future of Luke Ayling, there are several questions to be answered.

While I was disappointed with some of Boro’s defending against Leeds, I thought that Alex Bangura was a bright addition when he was introduced. The Sierra Leonean looked strong both on and off the ball and is clearly working hard to put all of his injury disappointments behind him.

I like Lukas Engel. His committed approach and his obvious love for the club epitomises everything I want to see from a Boro player. He loves to get forward and is always trying to make an impression in the attacking side of things. But Engel is not always the best of defenders. This is where Bangura might steal a march during the summer.

It would be no surprise to see Bangura starting next season in the left-back role. It will be up to him whether he keeps it or not. When the Boro squad is at full strength Carrick has plenty of options in midfield. However, despite plaudits elsewhere, I think that Lewis O’Brien is capable of a little more. He’s a busy player but I would have liked to have seen him make an even bigger impact against Leeds.

The best attitude of all at the moment is being displayed by Emmanuel Latte Lath. His unbridled enthusiasm to have an impact in every area of the pitch against Leeds was phenomenal. At this rate, he is destined to become the new King of the Riverside. I can’t wait to see what he can produce next season.

And on another positive note, it was great to see Ajay Matthews not only come on for his senior debut, but also make his mark in the game. It’s very easy for a 17-year-old to be overawed when pitched in at the deep end. Not only did he adapt very well, but he made an impression on the game. Great to see.

However, taking the team as a whole, everything has to be better next season. Boro’s tally of 63 points is currently lower than it has been over the three previous seasons. In the past two years, the team has amassed 70 points or more. Maybe they need to be aiming for 80 or more if they are to be serious contenders next season.

It will be good to finish this campaign strongly in order to ensure that the foundations which have been building are maintained. That means getting back on a winning trail at Cardiff. Boro have a good record against the Welsh side in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings.

They have won their last two visits to the Cardiff City Stadium and, if they play with the same enthusiasm they displayed against Leeds – and fully concentrate at the back - they can make it three in a row.

2024-04-24T14:12:54Z dg43tfdfdgfd