Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has revealed his stance on “fantastic” midfielder Dan Barlaser after he was linked with a summer transfer away from the Riverside Stadium.
The former Rotherham United man scored his first Middlesbrough goal in a 4-1 away win against Queens Park Rangers in midweek, almost two years after joining the club from the Millers.
Barlaser, 27, has seen his opportunities to impress be fairly limited so far this season, after making just six appearances in the Championship (as of matchday 14), with just one of those being as part of the starting XI.
That’s been largely down to the form of Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney, as the pair are in the early stages of forming one of the best central midfield partnerships in the division.
But, that hasn’t influenced his value to the squad as far as Carrick is concerned, as he and Middlesbrough know all too well about the dangers that a lack of strength in depth can bring.
“Massive influence” – Carrick reveals his stance on Barlaser
Barlaser was the subject of transfer interest in the summer, with Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor reported to have been keen on a move for the midfielder.
He is able to and did represent Turkey at international level as a youngster as he qualifies through his father, and so a move there would perhaps appeal greater than other overseas interest.
But, speaking via The Northern Echo this week, the Middlesbrough boss lauded Barlaser for what he brings to the dressing room in terms of character and morale, as well as how much his presence in the squad is valued by him and the club.
|
Barlaser’s 23/24 Championship stats – per FotMob |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Appearances |
Assists |
Chances created |
Pass accuracy |
|
23/24 |
33 |
2 |
58 |
89.2% |
Carrick said: “He’s fantastic, Dan. He’s one of the personalities in the group. Every day in training he’s smiling and joking, he trains well, his attitude is good, his quality is obvious. He’s a big part of the group and has a massive influence.
“I’m really pleased with everything he’s doing. Yeah, he probably wants to play a little bit more, the boys who have played have played ever so well in there. That’s part of being in a good squad.
“But I’m delighted with him. The way he goes about it every day and the way he handles himself with his character and personality is spot on.”
Carrick was then asked about the competition for places in the centre of Middlesbrough’s midfield, in regard to his lack of game time, to which the Boro boss replied: “That’s just being part of the squad and what we feel is a good squad with good players. That’s how it lies.
“We value Dan a lot, we value everyone in this squad a lot. Dan really enjoys it here, as do all the boys, and they understand to be part of a good team and be successful, part of it is having to share the load a little bit.”
Middlesbrough would be wise to retain Barlaser’s services this season
The Championship season is a long and grueling campaign, with twists and turns around every corner. As such, should promotion be the aim, as it undoubtedly is for Middlesbrough, then it’s crucial to have as deep a squad as possible.
Suspensions and injuries are inevitable, and behind Boro’s dynamite midfield duo of Hackney and Morris, Carrick’s options are fairly thin in the centre of the park.
Jonny Howson is 36, and out of contract at the end of the season, and whilst one of the evergreen midfielder’s biggest traits has been his availability, the club captain suffered an extensive injury setback at the beginning of the season.
That’s brought about the unfortunate realisation to all Middlesbrough supporters that he isn’t invincible after all, and perhaps his age is starting to catch up with him from a fitness levels perspective. It may also mean that Barlaser has moved above him in the pecking order too.
Which is a concern from a squad depth angle, as he and Barlaser are the only other natural senior options that Carrick can call upon in the centre of midfield, as next in line would be their young talents such as Law McCabe and Fin Cartwright.
Should Carrick wish to make a signing in January, then Boro would need to sell first as they have maxed out their squad registration numbers, but in that event, Barlaser shouldn’t be the first one on the chopping block.
