Middlesbrough Opinion: Can Yacouba Sylla boost the Boro to promotion?

Middlesbrough’s season so far has been extremely mixed. While they have been poor in front of goal on various occasions this campaign, their defensive record has been enough to keep them in the top-6 up until this point.

They are currently at 6th place but are barely holding on with 7th-placed Derby County only behind them by the minute virtue of goal difference. They are also a whole 9 points away from 2nd-placed Norwich City, which makes the possibility of reaching the automatic qualification positions even bleaker.

They have just 51 points on the board so far from 31 games. As impressive as it is, the potential of this Boro team certainly hasn’t been fulfilled completely this campaign. They have scored a meagre 35 goals this season. To put that into perspective, they’ve scored the least number of goals among the top 15 teams in the league.

The aspect that has been extremely positive from the Boro team this year has been their defensive quality. They still boast an excellent defensive record, having conceded just 24, which is by far the best defensive record in the league.

While the members of their defence have been individually exceptional, the addition of another centre-half will certainly boost their hopes of automatic promotion. Dael Fry, Daniel Ayala and Aden Flint are their current central-defensive options and while they have been good this campaign, an unexpected injury or two could absolutely shake this Boro team to the very core.

They currently have the opportunity to sign up a talented free agent in Yacouba Sylla, who could be a perfect target for the Championship side. He has the experience and quality to really contribute to this Boro side.

The centre-half has previous Premier League experience, which will be a massive asset to the squad while his versatility allows him to play as a holding midfielder as well. He played for Aston Villa between 2013 and 2015 and has even made 22 Premier League appearances, collecting 2 assists as well.

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Conclusion

His movement and physical presence are excellent and his ability to read the play will be an added bonus too. This signing could happen on the down low and even if it isn’t appreciated by the fans, it could turn out to be a crucial move.