Middlesbrough have endured a difficult start to the Championship season.

13 points from 16 games has left the Teessiders sitting in 22nd place in the league, meaning that a relegation battle could be on the cards.

While the overall team's performance hasn't been up to scratch, there have been some players who have put in some decent displays.

Perhaps these displays haven't been consistent enough so far, but if the club can build on them in the coming weeks then it will certainly help the Teessiders to get out of trouble.

Here are the seven best performing Middlesbrough players, according to Whoscored.com.

The striker has been a key player for Middlesbrough so far this season after contributing six goals so far.

Assombalonga has come in for spells of criticism this term, but after scoring two goals against Queens Park Rangers it seems that he could be back on track.

With little in the way of creative outlets, the onus is likely to fall firmly on Assombalonga's shoulders to be the man to fire the club out of danger.

The midfielder has been a consistent presence in the Middlesbrough team so far this term.

While a natural in the middle of the park, Howson has been regularly utilised at right wing-back as a source of experience and strong work ethic - something which has helped him to contribute three assists so far this term.

The former Leeds midfielder is out of contract next summer, but Jonathan Woodgate will be keen to utilise his experience for all it's worth.

The Northern Ireland international started the season as Middlesbrough's main man in midfield after getting two goals and an assist.

More recently McNair has been used in central defence as a way of covering a number of injures, however I'm sure Jonathan Woodgate will be hoping to get him back in midfield as soon as possible.

The winger looked like his Middlesbrough days were numbered, however this term he's firmly established himself as a first team regular.

Johnson started the season as a winger, but has since used his pace and work ethic to fit in at left wing-back.

The Spanish defender has led by example during a difficult season so far for Middlesbrough.

Ayala is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a January move away from the club, although Jonathan Woodgate will no doubt be hoping and praying to keep the centre back at the club.

His leadership and knowledge of the Championship have been key this season, and will no doubt be a huge factor in Middlesbrough's fate this season.

He's a player who has come in for lots of criticism this term, but Shotton is statistically Middlesbrough's second best player so far this term.

Ranking highly for tackles, clearances and interceptions, the 31-year-old's experience could be crucial to helping the Teessiders out of trouble and ensuring that they keep enough clean sheets to keep them in the league.

The young defender has been one of the first names on the Middlesbrough teamsheet this season.

Fry has averaged over five clearances per game, showing the impact that he has made to help the struggling Teessiders when facing long spells of pressure.

The 22-year-old is one of Middlesbrough's prized assets, and Jonathan Woodgate will be hoping to build his team around the starlet for many years to come.