Headline: Middlesbrough Struggles Continue Without Top Scorer Lankshear
Middlesbrough’s recent difficulties are a topic of concern among supporters as the team has managed only one point in their last two matches, both of which were played without their leading scorer, Will Lankshear. The 21-year-old forward’s absence has been noted particularly because the team failed to find the back of the net in either of those games.
“The Lankshear factor is a big one,” stated Craig Johns from The Gazette during a discussion on BBC Radio Tees. He emphasized Lankshear’s significant contribution to the team, praising his presence, aura, and movements around the penalty area. “His hold-up play with his back to goal is something that Kyle Joseph struggled with during the Wrexham game. Had Lankshear been on the pitch, things might have been different, thanks to the attention he draws from defenders, which opens up opportunities for others.”
Despite this, Johns expressed skepticism about the extent of the impact that Lankshear’s absence has had on the team’s performance.
Joseph, who had an impressive season with Hull City last year, scoring eight goals and providing five assists during their promotion run, has yet to make a notable contribution in the league since joining Middlesbrough this summer. Similarly, striker David Strelec, who could fill Lankshear’s role, has not displayed satisfactory form since his return from injury in October.
“Ultimately, the drop-off in Middlesbrough’s quality shouldn’t be as drastic as it has been,” Johns concluded. “With the depth they have, the team needs to perform better.”
