Why there is no such thing as a Middlesbrough 'best XI' for boss Michael Carrick
You'll often hear some Middlesbrough fans question if Michael Carrick knows his best XI. The truth is that he doesn't really have one, nor see the need to.
Boro signed eight players in the summer transfer window and that has given them a group full of depth. There are at least two senior players competing for every single spot in the team - which is often seen as the perfect balance for any successful squad.
In terms of Boro team selection, not since their brilliant run at the turn of the year in 2023 has Carrick been able to name a consistent starting XI - though that's largely been enforced upon him thanks to injuries. When asked about the 'best XI' debate though, Carrick explained why he doesn't really believe in having one - particularly when he has a squad as strong as his current group.
READ MORE: Alex Gilbert's Middlesbrough absence explained as Carrick has Van den Berg and Howson hope
SIGN UP: Middlesbrough FC news straight to your phone on WhatsApp
The Boro boss told BBC Tees: “I don’t really know if there needs to be really. It’s not necessarily a case of, that’s the best XI and that’s that. Over the course of a season there are times to use everybody. There will be times when certain players are in good form and you roll with it, and there are other times when that evolves and it might be somebody else.
"That’s the focus on the squad that we’ve put together really. We feel like we’ve got the flexibility to see out the whole season and take things game by game. The next game is always the most important one, though of course, as coaches we have our eyes on the bigger picture too.
"Going back to the question, the best team, whatever the best team is, will change for sure as the season changes as well."