Middlesbrough player’s return against Sunderland could be crucial after Chelsea defeat

A report from gazettelive has claimed that the anticipated return of Luke Ayling will add confidence to a Middlesbrough defence which needs to get back on track in Sunday’s mouth-watering derby. Ayling’s experience and cool head will help to settle a shell-shocked back line which was exposed in the hothouse atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

Michael Carrick clearly has already placed a lot of emphasis on the defence’s need to be tight and organised in the second half of the season.informationguidenigeria

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The player quickly brought in Ayling when the transfer window opened and has added Luke Thomas to the ranks. No doubt Thomas has been brought in to cover for the concerns which Boro have for the injured Alex Bangura. One would expect Thomas to get plenty of games which means more hot competition for Lukas Engel.

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According to the recent report, the Dane is arguably Boro’s most improved player this season while his enthusiasm and love of the team as a whole knows no bounds. On the other hand, Engel still has one or two defensive frailties to sort out, though it would be a shame if Thomas becomes a permanent fixture at left back and Engel’s pitch time is dramatically reduced.NYSC Portal

It may not have looked that way at Chelsea, but Boro are well covered in the defensive department, certainly when it comes down to operating at Championship level. I have said already that Rav van den Berg is my player of the season so far because I did not expect him to play as much football as he has.JAMB Portal

The injury to Tommy Smith opened the door wide for Van den Berg early in the campaign. He has gone on to prove himself a vital asset both at full-back and centre-back. With Dael Fry expected to hold things together, it’s great that Matt Clarke has come in alongside and got his feet under the table again.JAMB Result

This defensive unit is well capable of earning a few shut-outs in the run-up to May, even though they looked a little bedraggled in the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Boro defenders were their own worst enemies against Chelsea with the slap-handed way they tried to play the ball out from the back.