Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock has suggested that his focus during the January transfer window will be on bringing in one or two players to strengthen Boro’s options in the wide positions.
So far this campaign Middlesbrough have been using the likes of Marvin Johnson and Djed Spence in wing-back roles to compensate for the lack of depth available to Warnock in the wide positions. The pair have performed well and have helped to make Warnock’s side one of the most solid teams defensively in the Championship.
Boro did try and strengthen in the wide positions in the summer, but a potential move for Everton outcast Yannick Bolasie ultimately failed to materialise. Middlesbrough have managed to bring in Duncan Watmore on a short-term deal after his exit from Sunderland and that has provided Warnock with a little more attacking options in the last few weeks.
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Speaking to Teesside Live, Warnock revealed that he is hoping to try and bring in one or two wingers in the January transfer window, but he was also keen to outline that were no such additions to be made to his squad he would be happy to continue to get the best out of what he has.
He said: "Sometimes, I think working with a small squad can work in your favour. I’ve said to Kev and Ron that that doesn’t bother me at all now.
“If we had to go with this group to the end of the season, it wouldn’t bother me. We’re looking to see if we can bring a wide player in, or even two, and we might lose the odd player.
“We haven’t got enough wide players really. I always like my wide players to chip in with goals, maybe six or seven a season.
“We’ve been asking full-backs to do that most of the season.
“But Steve knows that come January, I’m not going to be bashing his door down asking for money. I’m not like that.”
The verdict
Warnock has managed to settle upon a formation that has compensated for Boro’s lack of options in the wide positions, with his experience and Championship know-how seeing him be able to turn Middlesbrough into one of the most solid teams in the division and providing the platform to win tight matches.
Middlesbrough could just do with that little bit more attacking quality and that could prove to be the difference between them forcing their way into the top six. A couple of wide players arriving who can have an impact in terms of goals and assists could make all the difference for Warnock’s side.
The Boro manager has earned the right to be backed in the transfer market and so it will be interesting to see what funds are made available for him to strengthen. However, you would not bet against Warnock continuing to get the best out of his side even with no further additions.