Middlesbrough’s position at the top of the Championship is testing the development of their new £7 million goalkeeper Radek Vitek. The club sits first with 25 points from 12 games, having recorded seven wins and four draws against a single loss. Head coach Kim Hellberg has backed the 22-year-old to improve his consistency as the team’s attacking style continues to leave them open at the back.
Boro lead the division with 25 points from 12 games, but have conceded 17 goals, a joint-13th worst defensive record. Vitek, signed from Manchester United in the summer, has kept just one clean sheet in his last seven league outings and only two all season. The team's overall defensive record shows 27 goals scored and 17 conceded. Hellberg’s philosophy prioritises fluid, front-foot football, which he admits can make life difficult for his defenders and goalkeeper. Hellberg explained.
Manager's expectations
The head coach noted that the Czech stopper is experiencing the pressure of a title race for the first time, having spent last season on loan at Bristol City. "Of course, he wants to keep clean sheets every week," Hellberg added, emphasising the need for steady progress over chasing instant perfection.
Hellberg’s message to the summer signing is to focus on the process. He wants Vitek to keep putting one foot in front of the other and working on the right things, rather than getting frustrated by the occasional goal conceded. The team’s results have not suffered, with a 5-1 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers last Friday extending their unbeaten run to five matches. That victory at Bolton on 23 October was part of a recent run of three wins and two draws. Will Lankshear, the league’s top scorer with 11 goals this season, netted twice in that victory. Hellberg pointed to the team's overall points tally as proof their approach is working, even if it asks a lot of the goalkeeper.
Upcoming test at the Riverside
The immediate focus shifts to maintaining their two-point lead at the summit over Swansea. Vitek’s development will be measured again this weekend when Middlesbrough host Charlton Athletic at the Riverside on Saturday 31 October. It presents another chance for the young keeper to build confidence behind a back line that has been breached regularly despite the team's success. Charlton, known for their direct attacking play, will provide a specific examination of Vitek's ability to deal with crosses and set pieces. The match against Charlton on 31 October is the next step in a promising but demanding season for Hellberg's side and their new number one.
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