Middlesbrough transfer decision spot on and Latte Lath makes key point

Ben Doak stole the show with an eye-catching full Middlesbrough debut in Saturday's victory over Stoke City.

The Liverpool loanee was immense as he inspired Boro to a much-needed 2-0 victory over Stoke City. Lively throughout, the 18-year-old beat his man time and time again, created many positive openings for his side and then marked his performance with his first goal for the club.

But to suggest Boro's win over Stoke was all on Doak would be unfair on his Boro team-mates. This was ultimately a win brought about by a solid all-round team performance. And with that in mind, and having given Doak his worthy praise in plenty of post-match analysis elsewhere, our talking points post-Stoke come with a bit of a twist as we pick out five less headline-worthy performances that deserve praise.

READ MORE: Liverpool loanee inspired Middlesbrough win but the other attacking change was just as key

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Ayling and Dijksteel prove transfer decisions spot-on

Boro kept their fourth clean sheet of the season despite their defence looking makeshift in the absence of Matt Clarke. George Edmundson continues to prove an astute signing and Neto Borges was much better, with the help of better protection. But it was the performances of Luke Ayling and Anfernee Dijksteel that deserved extra praise.

Whether it was back in January when signing him on loan, or this summer when deciding to make that loan a permanent, Boro could have easily considered a more model-satisfying signing to strengthen their right-back options. But proving willing to be flexible with their ideal transfer direction, Ayling's arrival has proven astute business. As well as his ability, he's brought real leadership and experience to Boro's side and that was on show again in the Stoke win.

Dijksteel, meanwhile, could have easily been sold this summer. Not a frequent player since Carrick's arrival, he is out of contract at the end of the season and there was interest from elsewhere. But Tommy Smith's situation meant Boro decided against a sale. To Dijksteel's credit, he's channelled any potential game-time frustration in exactly the right way and continues to be a shining light as far as attitude and commitment are concerned. Playing a lot more than might have been expected so far this season, he's producing his best Boro form for quite some time.

Hayden Hackney stepped up at a vital time

By Hackney's own high standards, he won't need telling that his start to the season hadn't quite lived up to expectations, while his performance at Sunderland was particularly disappointing. But quickly putting that behind him and proving his mettle as well as his quality, Hackney was excellent at a vital time for Boro against Stoke.

Thinking from a ratings standpoint, his goal probably elevated what would have been a 7.5 rating (if we gave .5s) to an 8, which highlights that even without the goal it was still an impressive performance. Always positive in possession, when he got the ball he wanted to go forward, whether that be with a pass or a clever driving run.

His goal came from exactly that as he profited from Emmanuel Latte Lath's tackle to take control of the situation, drive towards goal while evading challenges before executing an excellent finish to kill the game off. Hackney's had a few disappointing efforts on goal so far this season, but that goal was a reminder of what he is capable of. It would be very welcome if he could add a few more goals like this to his game.

Ben Doak steals the headlines but Riley McGree just as key

Doak's performance was so eye-catching and deserved all the plaudits it ultimately received, but Riley McGree's importance to the far better Boro attacking performance should not be understated either. Having made that left-sided forward role his own early in Carrick's time at the club, he still plays it better than any other.

Offering a better balance as far as protection for the left-back is concerned, he's also so clever when Boro are on the ball with his control in intricate areas so good to watch. He's also ultra positive and always looking to take up positive positions to offer team-mates an option to pass to, while his comfort and confidence with the role means he naturally lifts the tempo of Boro's play as well.

Add to that, as he did for Boro's first goal, his bravery to take on a long-range shot in the right moment with excellent precision, he is ultimately such a key player for Boro. When he plays, Boro are usually a better side overall for it, and that's the biggest compliment you could give the Aussie star.

Still no goal for Latte Lath but two invaluable contributions

Given Latte Lath's only goal so far this season was his penalty against Swansea City on the opening day, it would be great to see the Ivorian rediscover that goalscoring touch. He had two good opportunities in this one - first showing his impressive aerial ability in beating Ben Wilmot in the air at the back post and very nearly heading home but for a good reaction Viktor Johansson stop. The keeper did well again as Latte Lath almost curled one into the bottom corner from the edge.

That he didn't score a goal shouldn't detract from his invaluable contribution and work ethic throughout this victory, however. He got his rewards for it too, as he played crucial roles in both Boro goals in almost identical fashion. Doing his bit for the team when out of possession, he chased back down the left and on the first occasion won a free-kick that he then cleverly took quickly to send McGree on his way. The second he won an excellent sliding tackle to free Hackney for his run. Superb efforts on both occasions that proved crucial.

Card-happy ref

One final point to add, against the theme of praising individuals, was referee Stephen Martin and his card-happy approach to the game. In total there were 11 yellow cards, four of which went to Boro players. And yet, it wasn't by any stretch of the imagination a nasty or dirty game.

The issue was, quite early on, Martin set a precedent of booking players for just about every foul and it meant that anything of similar nature had to be given the same treatment in order to remain consistent. The game absolutely did not warrant 11 yellows. Ironically, one of the worst tackles of the game didn't get a booking as Sam Gallagher, already booked, escaped a second yellow for his rash second-half challenge.

Gallagher would have a fair argument his first challenge didn't warrant a yellow, but in keeping with his earlier stance, Martin left himself with little choice but to give the first booking, thus creating the problem further down the line. Thankfully it didn't impact the game considerably with any controversial, game-changing dismissal, but it's still worth highlighting because it felt a bit over the top.