Eric Paylor takes a look at the unexpected rise of a new Middlesbrough dependable
He’s been a slow burner – but Lukas Engel has every reason to enjoy this period in Middlesbrough’s season more than most. The Dane could easily have been eased out of the picture after making a dismal start to his Middlesbrough career. Yet he has gradually dragged himself up the ladder and potentially is starting to offer a great deal to Michael Carrick’s team.
In fact, Engel can fill the huge gap which was created by the loss of Ryan Giles. Engel likes to push forward in the Giles-style and has an eye for making a killer pass into the box. Without his clever contribution to Morgan Rogers’ goal, Boro might not have come away from the Riverside with all three points from the West Brom clash, for example.
It’s now even more important that Engel continues to make such a major impact in the side. He must strive to step up on the new standards which he has set because Boro have just lost his main competition at left-back Alex Bangura following his injury against Chelsea.
Boro likely signed Bangura in the first place because of Engel’s disappointing start to his Boro career, while clearly they didn’t fancy Hayden Coulson who this week left to join Blackpool on loan. If not for injury, Bangura might have been ahead of Engel at the moment.
However, the Dane deserves every credit for the way in which he has maintained a clear head and worked hard to improve his game. Engel is certainly not the finished product. He can further improve his game, that’s clear. But Engel’s current form epitomises the recent turnaround which Carrick has instilled within the squad.
The run of injuries has given opportunities to players who might have been considered initially as fringe men. I’ve always felt that Rogers showed enough quality to indicate that he could be a big player for the team. At the age of 21, he potentially has a big career ahead of him provided he can maintain consistency of performance.
Rogers is an attacking midfielder in the best sense of the description. He knows the way to goal and, having moved on to six goals with his most recent strike, has every reason to set himself a double-figure target for the campaign.
Matt Crooks has generally been performing well in the No.10 shirt but there is a great opportunity in the role for Rogers if he stays concentrated. Engel and Rogers are perfect examples of players who have answered the call from Carrick to step up to the oche, especially during the run of injuries.
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