What makes Riley McGree so important for Middlesbrough with key trait verdict

Riley McGree of Middlesbrough
-Credit: (Image: Greig Cowie/REX/Shutterstock)


Michael Carrick feels Riley McGree's familiarity and comfort with Middlesbrough's preferred style of play make him such an important player after his impressive return to action.

While it was Ben Doak on the opposite flank who stole the headlines in the 2-0 victory over Stoke City, the Boro boss was keen to point out that McGree had been just as important to the win. His shot ultimately brought about Doak's opener in the game, while the Aussie star ultimately added balance and guile to the Boro attack in a much-improved team performance in general.

It follows another frustrating injury absence for McGree, who signed a new Boro deal in the summer having returned for pre-season earlier than his team-mates in the hope of putting last season's frustrations behind him. Having been patient with his latest injury return, Carrick is hoping McGree can have a prolonged period of fitness now, with his Stoke performance highlighting why he is such a key player.

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"He was important," Carrick said of his Stoke performance. "He's an important player for us. He's been here a while now, he gets it and knows what we're about. He stepped in and him and Finn [Azaz] had a really good relationship. I thought a lot of our work down the left with Riley and Neto [Borges] to stretch and pull them gave Ben more space.

"As a team, we definitely used the space as well as we have done and got the benefits and nearly scored one or two more. We've been patient with Riley, and he's been a bit frustrated he hasn't had more minutes. But today was a good chance for him and we knew 60 to 70 was probably his limit to look after him."

McGree will now be hoping he can stay injury-free and continue his starring role for Carrick's side. His quality has never really been questioned, with Boro fans clamouring to see him back in recent weeks. His Stoke performance only highlighted how tailor-made he is for the specialised left-sided forward role in Carrick's side - with no other Boro player yet nailing it down in quite the same way.