Max Arfsten scored his first goal for Middlesbrough in their 2-2 Championship draw with Birmingham City last week. The 25-year-old American, now nine appearances into his Boro career, found the net in the 45th minute at St Andrew's.
Manager Kim Hellberg highlighted Arfsten's progress since arriving in the summer. "He’s getting better defensively too, he’s working hard with that," Hellberg said. The boss noted the player's versatility, having utilised him at left-back against Birmingham due to squad needs before his substitution late on.
Adilson Malanda also marked his return to form, scoring a late equaliser for his first goal since January. The defender, who played every game last season, remains a key figure in Hellberg's plans.
The point kept Middlesbrough third in the Championship table with 15 points from eight games, just two points behind leaders Swansea. The squad will now prepare for a top-four clash at the Riverside Stadium against Wolves on October 10. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
More detail at sbisoccer.com
