Middlesbrough begin Championship life under Rob Edwards with their opening weekend clash against Swansea City.
Middlesbrough will host Swansea City on Saturday as both teams begin their 2025/26 Championship seasons.
Following a strong finish to last season under Alan Sheehan, the Welsh giants are optimistic about their chances of making the play-offs this season.
However, following the arrival of Rob Edwards, Teesside fans are less enthusiastic given the club’s poor start to the summer window.
With the 2025/26 Championship season just days away, Middlesbrough fans will be hoping that one EFL expert’s pessimistic forecast does not come true.
EFL expert details issues in Rob Edwards’ Middlesbrough squad
Much of the criticism surrounding Edwards’ arrival at Middlesbrough this summer, following Michael Carrick’s dismissal, has focused on his style of play and formation.
Edwards’ style of play at Boro has been questioned since his arrival, since his football philosophy and three-at-the-back structure differ significantly from his predecessor, with the squad he inherited formed in Carrick’s image.
Middlesbrough has signed Alfie Jones, Abdoulaye Kante, and Callum Brittain this summer, but EFL analyst Ali Maxwell says Edwards’ squad still has “serious issues”.
Maxwell told the Not The Top 20 podcast: “In 15th, we have Middlesbrough. So, why 15th? In my perspective, changing managers will not resolve what I believe to be severe squad flaws.
“I don’t think their goalkeeping department is particularly impressive. I believe their center-back department is reasonably well-stocked, with several familiar names and plenty of experience.
“The centre-backs should perform better as a unit in a more structured environment, and Carrick never found defensive solidity or balance with this Boro team.”
“It appears he will play a three-at-the-back formation. I don’t believe this squad is now suited to that, therefore there is a lot of work to be done if that is the shape they will play in.
“Morris is an outstanding midfielder and a fantastic signing. If Hackney leaves, he won’t have much support, but I’m confident they’ll bring in new guys.
“The Front Line To be honest, I’m not a huge admirer of them, either individually or as a group. They performed poorly in the second half of last season.
“With the (possible) Hackney sale, I guess we can expect some big signings to come in, which I’ll be pleased about, and that could change my attitude on Boro.
“But it is becoming late now to add four, five, or six starters and pick up points and a good lick at the start of the season.
“So maybe a new voice and a new style and a new approach will get Boro back towards play-off chasing, which should be the expectation really, but I don’t think it’s a top-half squad right now.”
Incoming Middlesbrough signing will solve glaring issue for Rob Edwards
Middlesbrough won the race for Brittain, and reports emerged that Boro are looking for a wing-back for the opposite flank.
Middlesbrough have bid £2.25 million for Max Arfsten, in a deal that would see the highly rated Columbus Crew defender cover the club’s full-back vacancies.
After Middlesbrough missed out on Alfie Doughty following his departure to Millwall, 24-year-old Arfsten would be an impressive second-choice signing for Edwards.
Arfsten, a USMNT international, has made 20 appearances for Columbus Crew in the MLS this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists, indicating that he is well-suited to the attacking demands Edwards places on his wingbacks.
As Maxwell mentioned, additional Middlesbrough acquisitions in crucial places will make the difference in Edwards’ first term in command.
Leave a Reply