The most impressive aspect of Jordan Rhodes’ first interview
as a Middlesbrough player was just how level-headed he was for a player, who
until the late hours of Monday’s deadline day, didn’t know where his future was
going to lie.
If Boro fans were feeling anxious about whether they would
finally sign the man who has been the Championship’s most prolific striker in
recent seasons, then spare a thought for Rhodes himself who had to travel up
and down the M6 like there was no tomorrow.
But at last he is here. It took £9 million, plus adds ons,
to secure his services, but if the Scotland international can score the goals to fire Boro to
the riches Premier League then it will be money well spent.
Rhodes has scored over 20 goals in his last three seasons
for Blackburn, who he could ironically make his debut against this weekend, and
is as prolific as the come at Championship level.
However as he was unveiled to the press for the first time
in Boro red, he appeared remarkably relaxed and stress free, not to mention
humble saying ‘, I’ll just try and do the best I can for the team, my main
focus is to get myself in the team, there is an abundance of talent here’
He’s certainly not wrong, and Boro’s formidable squad has propelled
then to second in the league after 27 games. However they are still missing a consistent
goal scorer, a position Rhodes will be expected to fill.
Aitor Karanka expressed that Rhodes will be available to
face his former club in tomorrow’s 3.00pm kick-off, however the Boro boss has had
a policy in the past to leave a new arrival on the bench for a game or two.
‘One week ago we had an amazing squad,’ said the Spaniard. ‘Now we have an even better squad’
He also thought that the transfer window came at ‘the
perfect moment’ following back to back defeats against Bristol City and
Nottingham Forest and that he has had a chance ‘to realise the problems’ which
has seen his side slip to second in the table
Team News
Boro missed centre back Ben Gibson in their last two
defeats but the he could return after a hip injury to partner regular
defensive partner Daniel Ayala.
 |
| Boro's Ben Gibson (Picture from Gazettelive) |
George Friend will be out for about 4 weeks with a shoulder
injury so new loan signing Richie De Laet could take his place. Fellow new
arrivals Rhodes and Gaston Ramirez could also make their debuts.
Rovers acquired midfielder Jordi Gomez ,on loan until the end of the season, on deadline day and the Spaniard will be expected to make his debut at the Riverside.
Ex-Boro striker Danny Graham is also available, as is former
goalkeeper Jason Steele. Midfielder Hope Akpan is doubtful with a knee injury.
The Opposition
After Rhodes’ departure recently appointed manager Paul
Lambert talked about spending the money to rebuild a squad, which is still struggling
to come to terms after being relegated in 2012.
Lambert enjoyed a good start to his career at Rovers and his
side were unbeaten after his first five games. However they have
dropped off since then and have slipped down to 18th in the table,
five points clear of the relegation zone, after a run of seven games without a
win.
With Rhodes gone they will be looking for new players to
step up and be counted in the months ahead.
 |
| Blackburn's Ben Marshall (Picture from zimbio.com) |
One To Watch
Ben Marshall
The Blackburn winger is only 24 but has plenty of experience
in the Championship. He has played 86 games for Rovers since signing for them
in 2013 and before that he made 56 appearances for Leicester, while the foxes
were in the second tier.
Due to shortages at the back Marshall has been deployed as a
full back in recent weeks, however he is a threat from set pieces and can
provide an attacking outlet from wide areas.
Last Time Out
Blackburn 0
Middlesbrough 0
This should be the second meeting between these sides this
season, however the game at Ewood Park has now been rescheduled for March 1 due
to a waterlogged pitch on Boxing Day.
That means the last meeting between these sides was back on
December 28 in 2014 at Blackburn when the sides played out a goalless draw.
Boro had the better chances but were denied by a number
of saves from Rovers
keeper Simon Eastwood who was later named man of the match.
Team I Would Play
 |
| Team I would play for Middlesbrough v Blackburn |
On this occasion I would start the likes of Rhodes and
Ramirez on the bench to show that it's not just a given for them to walk
straight into the team. It should also give some of the players, who have underperformed
in recent few weeks, a kick up the backside, knowing that there are now proven
replacements ready to step in.
No comments:
Post a Comment