Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis used his side’s visit to Preston North End yesterday as a chance to rest his squad.
Consequently, some questions were going to be raised by fans regarding the Welshman’s selection, with particular scrutiny on the inclusion of Rudy Gestede.
The Benin international made a rare start for Boro after recovering from an ankle injury, but suffered a similar looking injury in the first half. However, that was enough time for Boro fans to object to his inclusion in the team, and his performance.
Many were swift to criticise the forward’s poor athleticism, and suggested that his inclusion is a negative approach by Pulis. While no one would wish an injury upon a player, many saw it as a blessing in disguise, and are hoping that the club sell the former Aston Villa man as soon as possible.
This is what the fans had to say about Gestede:
Just don’t rate Gestede.
— Darren Hornsby (@DarrenHornsby_) November 27, 2018
It’s the awful truth but it was the best blessing in disguise Gestede getting injured because TP was forced to revert back to our WINNING formation which he should of started with in the first place
— Chris Snaith (@ChrisSnaith2) November 27, 2018
#boro Team looks good until you get to Gestede.
Hope we don't resort to just lumping it up front to the big man.
First off, he is not mobile enough & secondly, despite winning many aerial duels, he lacks the ability to find a red shirt.
Big chance for Wing & Saville though. UTB.— BJ (@cliffordson21) November 27, 2018
Why o why play gestede
— mark shalliker (@parashalliker) November 27, 2018
Gestede injured…. observe my shock
— Lisa Rushby (@lisaboro) November 27, 2018
https://twitter.com/TheJCTrain/status/1067512119992700933
https://twitter.com/OwensBeryl/status/1067512560449146885
@bbcteessport I would sell Rudy gestede in jan
— Stuart Naisbitt (@Stuartnaisbitt1) November 27, 2018
So any ideas why he did it Dom? Also any idea why he would think that bringing Gestede back in the team would be a success. Incredibly bad decisions in my opinion!
— Steve Prest (@presta35) November 27, 2018
Gestede’s injury can only be a blessing. Sorry that the bloke is hurt, but he gives us nothing at all. Scoring rate is abysmal, adds nothing to open play, and for a bloke as big as he is, he doesn’t do much from corners or free kicks.
— I.M.A. Freeman (@_IAmNotANumber_) November 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/jpeart23/status/1067512287219630080
