After narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League last season, Middlesbrough are pushing hard this term. Under the stewardship of Tony Pulis, Boro have been a solid team this season.
Pulis has overseen a great improvement in the defensive work and the Teessiders have one of the best defensive records in the division. However, the pragmatic approach by Boro has seen the Riverside Stadium side scoring fewer goals when compared to their rivals.
To realistically challenge for promotion, Middlesbrough need to adopt a less pragmatic approach. Tony Pulis needs to set up a more offensive-minded team. With the winter transfer window approaching fast, we look at two players Middlesbrough must sign in January to boost their chances of promotion.
Fernando Llorente has had to contend with a place on the bench at Tottenham Hotspur. A move away from north London would undoubtedly be a wise choice for the ageing Spaniard. With his contract up at the end of the season, Spurs must offload the centre-forward January, instead of losing him for free in the summer. Llorente has enjoyed an illustrious career playing for Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, Tottenham and Juventus.
He has over 150 goals from over 550 club appearances in the La Liga, Serie A and Premier League. With his experience, Llorente could still do a decent job for a promotion-chasing side in England’s second-tier competition. Llorente can be deployed as the point-man in a 4-2-3-1 formation and the 33-year-old could help relieve the goalscoring burden off Britt Assombalonga and Jordan Hugill.
The 2010 World Cup winner’s aerial dominance makes him a menace in the air. With Boro struggling to score goals, a centre-forward of Llorente’s calibre and experience would be a major statement of intent from Tony Pulis. A proven goalscorer is needed to keep Boro’s promotion ambitions alive and Llorente fits the bill perfectly.
According to Stoke Sentinel, Charlie Adam has admitted that he will talk to his manager Gary Rowett about the possibility of a loan move. The 32-year-old has struggled for game time this season, making just three Championship appearances since the Potters were relegated from the Premier League last season. All his appearances have come off the substitute’s bench.
It is clear that Boro have been missing Adama Traore’s pace and creativity since his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer. A move to Middlesbrough would see Charlie Adam reuniting with his former Liverpool teammate, Stewart Downing. Like Llorente, Charlie Adam’s current deal at the Bet365 Stadium will be up this summer.
Adam’s physical side of his game is clearly waning. However, in a team set up to play to his strengths, the 32-year-old former Scotland international has a lot to offer. Adam can deliver good crosses for an aerially strong striker like Llorente to nod home.
He can also cut inside and take long shots. Adam puts in a good defensive contribution which is vital for the balance of a team. He does a good job at winning fouls and taking set-pieces. The former Rangers midfielder is also strong in the air. Furthermore, Adam has a keen eye and the ability to thread in crucial passes. Thus, Middlesbrough should definitely consider signing him.
