When they were promoted from the Championship at the end of last season there weren’t many people giving Middlesbrough much chance of staying in the Premier League- something Boro fans in the Transfer Tavern were absolutely loving.
Aitor Karanka’s side were written off before they even had the chance to take to the pitch but there will be a few who might be eating their words as Boro take to the pitch this weekend against Stoke City.
The Reds have added heavily to their squad this summer and have brought in some real quality as they attempt to stay in the Championship at the first attempt.
So with so much quality and new names coming through the Riverside doors, how should the Spaniard lineup in his side’s first game of the season on Saturday?
Here’s our thoughts as we name the Middlesbrough lineup capable of smashing Stoke City in their Premier League opener!
GK: Victor Valdes
Probably Middlesbrough’s first big summer signing, the Spanish veteran could prove to be a huge part of any success Boro have this season.
The former Manchester United outcast had a torrid spell at Old Trafford under Louis Van Gaal and he will hope to put all of that behind him as he attempts to help Boro to safety this season.
RB: Emilio Nsue
This pacy full-back looks likely to start the game against the Potters after featuring heavily during Boro’s pre-season campaign.
The former Mallorca man featured heavily last season and he was a sturdy, reliable option in defence.
CB: Ben Gibson
He’s one of Boro’s only senior options at centre-back after injuries left this position looking a little bare going into their first game.
But he’s an experienced head and impressed in his side’s promotion-winning campaign last season.
CB: Antonio Barragan
Signed this summer to play as a full-back, former Valencia man Barragan might have to start at the heart of the defence after injuries meant Dani Ayala and Bernardo Espinosa will set the game out.
He featured over 100 times for Valencia, and was a popular figure at the Mestalla. But he’s one of a handful of Spanish signings who will hope to impress this season.
LB: George Friend
One of Boro’s most consistent performers last season, George Friend looks start to be a big part of the Middlesbrough squad again this season.
He’s an extremely solid choice at full-back and will be looking to show how good he is again this time round.
CDM: Adam Clayton
He’s been a constant name on Boro’s team sheet since signing from Huddersfield Town in 2014 and has shown that he is ready to step up and play in the Premier League.
He made 48 appearances last season and will start the game against Stoke City.
CDM: Marten de Roon
A summer signing from Atalanta, Marten de Roon has impressed in pre-season and looks set to start Boro’s opener alongside Adam Clayton on Saturday.
The former Netherlands U19 man will hope his steadiness in the middle of the park will help Boro settle as they look to stay in the division.
RM/RW: Albert Adomah
Another huge name for Boro over the past three seasons, Albert Adomah will be the key to the success his side can achieve this season.
Whilst he might not score as many goals as he might like, the former Bristol City man has a real directness about him that makes him deadly at this level. Expect him to cause a few defences some problems this season.
CAM/CF: Gaston Ramirez
Completed a move from the bottom of the country to the top this summer after moving to the North East from Southampton.
And the only way is up for his performances too- Ramirez was excellent for Karanka’s team last season and it will very much be more of the same please from the Boro fans, who have found a real favourite here.
LM/LW: Viktor Fischer
One the old Football Manager fans might remember, Boro signed Fischer from Ajax this summer and they’ll hope he can add a real attacking threat down the left hand side this season.
He’s quick, direct and much like Adomah on the opposite flank, he loves to run at defenders. Could prove to be a real bargain if his move pays off.
ST: Alvaro Negredo
A tough shout this. Unleash marquee signing Negredo, stick with the reliable Jordan Rhodes or go with the tireless and hard-working David Nugent?
We’ve gone with the man Boro fans are calling “The Beast” on this occasion, purely because we think he has what it takes to give Karanka’s team a real nasty edge going forward.
He’s big, burly and strong and holds the world up fantastically. He’ll make an excellent frontman for the always-willing Adomah and it’ll be truly interesting to see how his second season in England plays out.
