Matt Clarke has become such an important player for Middlesbrough

[Norman_Conquest]

2 games without him, 2 clean sheets.

Shshhhhhhh, I might have been right all along.

Clarke's done well so far this season but he, along with Fry and Lenihan must be thinking how do I dislodge Edmundson and RVB.

 

[Frozen Horse]

2 games without him, 2 clean sheets.

No goals from corners though.

 

[JM14]

Clarke and Rav have to start when fit, no question about it. Two of the best defenders in the league

 

[Ravshoutsatbeck]

I'd be happy with the two players in possession of the shirts keeping them until a performance that means they need to drop out

 

[parmoboy]

2 games without him, 2 clean sheets.

We'd have more than likely had a clean sheet at Derby had it not been for Jones' error, which would have meant we'd have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 games with Clarke at the back.

He's a very good defender at this level.

 

[Norman_Conquest]

Clarke and Rav have to start when fit, no question about it. Two of the best defenders in the league

I'm not so sure, Edmondson seems so calm under pressure and doesn't flap. I agree with @Ravshoutsatbeck that the shirts are theirs to lose.

 

[indeedido]

There is an argument for the shirt needing to be lost by the current wearer when results are good.
That suggests Edmundson would stay in with VdB.

There is however an argument that you should know your best players/team and play them when they are fit.
That to me suggests VdB and Fry, though I see the argument for Clarke recently.

I don't see a way back into the team for Lenihan and do think he will be away, especially if the plan is to sign Edmundson permanently next summer.

 

[RenzoRosso]

Lenihan is really unlucky, he was first choice and captain until the injury and now looks like it’ll be tough for him to get back in.

 

[S7DiscoDown]

The thread title will need to change to Edmundson soon

Jokes aside I've been so impressed. He's not put one foot wrong and slotted in seamlessly. He's looked comfortable alongside Ayling / Clarke and Rav as a partner. Just presuming he was a stop gap and going to be a bit part player.

He's definitely making a case for himself to be first choice.

God knows what we will do once Fry and Lenihan are fit? How are they even going to get game time to get match fit. I can see one or both being loaned out. That said both are on significant money.

 

[RenzoRosso]

Competition is a good thing I suppose but 5 “first choice” cbs for 2 spaces is maybe pushing it. Mind there’s still 2 to come back from long term injuries and Clarke currently injured so we best not count our chickens etc.

 

[Lefty]

Competition is a good thing I suppose but 5 “first choice” cbs for 2 spaces is maybe pushing it.

Tony Pulis would find a way.

 

[Mendieta14]

Tony Pulis would find a way.

he did play dael fry right back at least twice