O’Brien - return

Jedi boro

Jedi boro

Well-known member
It’s largely gone unnoticed since all the excitement over Finn and Luke but it was great to see Lewis back on the bench midweek and shows that we could well have three “new” additions for this weekends clash with millwall.

O’Brien looked arguably the best addition to the squad this summer and his injury badly impacted the squad.

So where would you play him and how do you see us using this versatile player going into the second half of the season.
 
I think I read Carrick saying he's still a little bit off playing, at least still not ready for Saturday, and was only on the bench the other night so that he's around the first team and stuff before he does return to playing.
 
Jonathan said:
I think I read Carrick saying he's still a little bit off playing, at least still not ready for Saturday, and was only on the bench the other night so that he's around the first team and stuff before he does return to playing.
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That’s good though that’s he heading back on the right track and same with Marcus as well stating to get our key or significant players back.

Giving us in game and on bench options.
 
CM with Hackney for me, allows us to rotate more.

When he is fully fit we will have 4 very good CM.

Add a striker and I fancy our chances to go up this year if we keep every one fit now.
 
I think he’s probably still 2-3 weeks of playing.

I really liked him at left back personally, but Engel has come on leaps and bounds.


Carrick has had a selection headache in recent weeks in terms of actually getting 11 fit players on the pitch, it’ll be nice if he now has to choose between 15/16
 
From Today`s Media Conference Transcript:

Lewis O`Brien. Overcome injuries and back in amongst it again?

Lewis is another one, similar to Luke [Ayling]. Unbelievable character and person really, off the pitch in terms of how they look after themselves, how they handle themselves…...and for Lewis [injury] was a big setback for him. But the way he's handled it, has been incredible really, he's been so positive. Considering he's here on loan as well, he feels like he's one of ours and made a real effort that side of things and credit to him. Again, we're delighted to have him back, he's a big player, a real quality player, and he'll have a big say for us between now and the end of the season.​
 
As unpopular as this may be to some he is way better than anyone else we have in that left back slot - it may not be his very best position but our other central midfielders are playing well, Hackney, Jonny and Barlaser are all in good form. I’d be be very tempted to strengthen our back four with O’Brien slotting in there at left back. A back four of Ayling Fry/Clarke Van Den Berg O’Brien looks pretty decent to me and may well tighten up our goals against problem considerably
 
The Disciple said:
As unpopular as this may be to some he is way better than anyone else we have in that left back slot - it may not be his very best position but our other central midfielders are playing well, Hackney, Jonny and Barlaser are all in good form. I’d be be very tempted to strengthen our back four with O’Brien slotting in there at left back. A back four of Ayling Fry/Clarke Van Den Berg O’Brien looks pretty decent to me and may well tighten up our goals against problem considerably
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That would curtail the great development of Engel and Bangura though who are improving all the time.
Square pegs in square holes.
 
Maybe Carrick will be more flexible with formation. Three mfs against Chelsea worked well. Obviously won't play that way all the time but gives us more options having Howson, Hackney, Barlaser and Obrien to pick from.
 
The Disciple said:
It would a bit yes, but if it improves the team 🤷🏼‍♂️
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I'm not so sure.

In my mind I would rather keep our CM's fresh and rotate as I think that would provide more net benefit.

For me, Engel and Bangura are both playing well and improving, whilst O'Brian might a little in that area, I think he can do more damage in the middle of the park and moreover, we get th ebenefit of not running our CM's into the ground.
 
Anyone think Ayling can be that DM we've been screaming for? I definitely think the 3-5-2 formation lends itself very well to a DM being part of the mix especially on away turf where we're having to defend a slender lead.
 
Expat Smoggie said:
Anyone think Ayling can be that DM we've been screaming for? I definitely think the 3-5-2 formation lends itself very well to a DM being part of the mix especially on away turf where we're having to defend a slender lead.
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I think he could def do that
 
O’Brien is a central midfielder and a very good one in the Championship. If he is back Boro suddenly have options again, after Howson and Barlaser had to play every game over Christmas.
 
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JonnyHistory said:
I'm not so sure.

In my mind I would rather keep our CM's fresh and rotate as I think that would provide more net benefit.

For me, Engel and Bangura are both playing well and improving, whilst O'Brian might a little in that area, I think he can do more damage in the middle of the park and moreover, we get th ebenefit of not running our CM's into the ground.
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Either way it’s going to be a nice problem for Carrick to have when everyone is fit
 
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