Middlesbrough have been labelled the Championship's best team and genuine promotion contenders by Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman. The EFL expert believes the addition of striker Will Lankshear is the key piece that could propel the club into the Premier League.
Goodman pointed to last season's near-miss as evidence of Boro's quality. "In terms of footballing quality, I thought Middlesbrough were the best team in the Championship last season," he said. "They finished four points off automatic promotion." The club's strong start this term, sitting third on 15 points after eight games, has reinforced that view.
Summer recruitment impact
Funds from the sales of Morgan Rogers and Hayden Hackney have been reinvested wisely, according to Goodman. He argues the squad list is far better equipped to grind out results in tight matches, a weakness that cost them points against sides like Oxford United and Bristol City last year. That late equaliser conceded at Ashton Gate was a prime example of the fine margins they now look capable of handling.
Lankshear's immediate influence
The major difference is the presence of Will Lankshear. The former Tottenham striker has hit the ground running with six goals in eight league appearances, making him the team's top scorer. Goodman is convinced that having a natural finisher of his type last season would have changed everything. "That's the overriding difference," he stated. "If they'd had Lankshear last year, I think they and Coventry would have gone up automatically by a mile."
With Lankshear leading the line, Goodman fully expects Boro to challenge for a top-two spot. He places them alongside the relegated Premier League sides for promotion pedigree. The team's current form, with two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five, shows they are in the mix.
Looking ahead
Goodman acknowledged the threat of other contenders, noting West Ham's quality and Wolves being fancied after their derby win. But he sees no reason for fear from the Riverside faithful. Boro's next test is a significant one at home to fourth-placed Wolves on 10 October. A full rundown of the upcoming schedule is available on our fixtures page, while the latest standings show Boro just two points behind surprise leaders Swansea City.
More detail at Teesside Live
