This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Darragh Lenihan has been backed to force his way into Rob Edwards’ plans at Middlesbrough after his injury nightmare over the past few years.
The Irishman joined the Teesside club on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2022, in a deal that was regarded as a coup given Lenihan’s performances for Rovers.
However, Lenihan’s time at Boro has not gone as planned, with his last competitive game coming in September 2023, after a significant ankle injury was followed by a lengthy Achilles problem.
Darragh Lenihan told he could flourish for new-look Middlesbrough under Rob Edwards
Fortunately, Lenihan was able to regain full health during the final few games of the previous season, and he is ready to go in preseason. Of course, a lot has changed at Boro since Edwards replaced Michael Carrick in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium. That is expected to result in a formation change, with the former Luton boss opting for a back three, as he has done at Forest Green, Watford, and the Hatters in his brief managerial tenure.
As a result, Edwards will want players that are suited to that job, and Lenihan’s physicality and organizational skills may make him a perfect candidate for the primary centre-back position. Liam Day, FLW’s Boro fan analyst, certainly agrees, as when asked about Lenihan’s appropriateness for Edwards’ system, he indicated that the 31-year-old could be like a new signing and could soon emerge as a vital player in the XI going forward. “To be honest, I believe he has the potential to be a major contributor this season. He’s an excellent player with extensive experience, having previously captained Blackburn.
Lenihan was simply unlucky with injuries last season, but he is a good player and, at 31, not too old. If you put him in the middle of a back three, he will excel.
We needed leaders last season, and we didn’t have many. There was Johnny Howson, but he was constantly injured, so if we can keep Lenihan healthy, I believe he can quickly become a major player in the group. “At the very least, he will be a squad member, but I believe he will start most games. “The team requires a new centre-back, but Lenihan provides protection. Whereas last season we didn’t have much, he feels like a new addition.”
Darragh Lenihan’s return is a welcome boost for Middlesbrough
First and foremost, it is fantastic for Lenihan to be available for selection after such a terrible two years, and he deserves a lot of respect for demonstrating the mental strength to recover from that. Now it’s all about regaining his place in the team, and he appears to be most suited to a back three for a number of reasons.
Darragh Lenihan Career Stats (Source: Transfermarkt)
Team
Appearances
Goals
Blackburn Rovers
252
10
Burton Albion (loan)
17
1
Middlesbrough
53
1
Ireland
4
His ability to organise and lead will be valued, and his one weakness, a lack of pace, can be mitigated in that formation. Obviously, Edwards will have his own ideas, and he will not rush Lenihan back, but if the defender returns to the heights he showed for Blackburn and Boro, Middlesbrough will benefit greatly.
Leave a Reply