Speaking to Middlesbrough’s official website, Garry Monk has refused to heap praise on Britt Assombalonga or Adama Traore despite their recent heroics.
Middlesbrough moved to sign Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window, with the Teessiders paying £15m to secure the striker’s service for the Sky Bet Championship season.
Assombalonga has so far linked up excellently with Traore, who is proving to be the creative cog in Boro’s team, with the duo causing Bolton Wanderers problems during Saturday’s Championship clash.
Traore twice assisted Assombalonga against Bolton, as the duo played a crucial role in Monk’s side recording a 3-0 victory at the Macron Stadium.
Despite both receiving plenty of praise for their performance, Monk refused to single out individuals, he said: “It’s not about one player.
“It’s about them all doing their job. We were at a high a level on Saturday, and we can get even higher.
“It’s important we take that into Tuesday’s game at Aston Villa.”
Assombalonga and Traore helped Boro move into the Championship’s top-six on Saturday, with Monk’s side now having 10 points to their name from the opening six fixtures of the season.
Boro are back in Championship action this evening when they travel to the Midlands to face a struggling Aston Villa side.
Steve Bruce’s side are back in 18th place, but know that victory over Middlesbrough this evening would put them within one point of the Teessiders.
The Verdict
Monk is right to not pile praise on individuals within his squad, but he will be exceptionally pleased with the contribution of both Assombalonga and Traore so far this season, with the explosive duo excellent.
Both Assombalonga and Traore could prove to be key for Boro over the course of the season, as Monk looks for the formula to challenge for the top-two.
If Assombalonga and Traore can continue the form the showed against Bolton when Boro face Villa, Monk’s side could prove to be very dangerous at Villa Park.
Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!