Middlesbrough were beaten 2-1 by Leeds United on Sunday, as Thomas Christiansen's side looked the much better team throughout.

Boro boss Garry Monk has consistently decided to drop midfielder Adam Clayton, with him instead utilising Grant Leadbitter and Jonny Howson in the midfield role.

Has Monk made a mistake dropping Clayton from the starting eleven?

We take a look....

Adam Simeoni

There was no reason for him to be exiled.

The midfielder patrols the back line perfectly, and acts as the perfect shield for the defence.

Boro have looked exposed through the middle during his absence, and the run of Kemar Roofe that led to Alioski's goal at the weekend would have been halted if Clayton was on the field. He needs to come back into the side.

George Dagless

I think so.

Most teams in the modern game need a player ready to sacrifice himself in the holding role for the good of the side.

Casemiro does it at Real Madrid, Sergio Busquets has done it years for Barca and Clayton, though not in their bracket, is Boro's best in that role.

Monk needs to bring him back.

Chris Gallagher

Yes, 100 per cent.

Clayton has proven himself as one of the best midfielders in the league over the past few years and even did well in the Premier League when Boro were promoted.

He's competitive and strong and should be on the bench at the very least.

It's baffling by Monk.

Alfie Burns

I’m not sure you can call it a mistake due to the impressive run Boro were on prior to Sunday’s defeat at Leeds.

However, Clayton was missed at Elland Road on Sunday, with Leeds’ midfield duo of Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips far too strong for Howson and Leadbitter.

After the defeat, the door is certainly open for Clayton to return.