Why Middlesbrough must make a move for Bryan Linssen in January
Middlesbrough have been suffering from a lack of creativity and flair in their side in recent weeks, with Tony Pulis’ side dropping points at an alarming rate. They have dropped down to fifth in the table and despite registering a 2-0 victory over a struggling Ipswich Town side on Saturday, they clearly need reinforcements in January for the second half of the campaign.
Boro have been very predictable in the final third and at times, the players have lacked invention to pierce the stubborn defences in the division. The club needs players that can come in and make an instant impact on the squad as Pulis’ side challenge for promotion to the Premier League after a spell out of the top-flight.
With the current attacking options at Pulis’ disposal, Middlesbrough could struggle in the second half of the season when things become tighter. That said, the Teessiders must make a move for Vitesse forward Bryan Linssen in January.
Bryan Linssen, 28, has been in good form for Vitesse this season, scoring five goals and assisting once in 16 Eredivisie games. He has been one of the star performers under Leonid Slutsky, helping the club to eighth place on the table.
In Bryan Linssen, Middlesbrough would get an agile, fleet-footed left winger, who is equally capable of playing on the right or in the hole behind the striker. The diminutive Dutchman is an excellent dribbler and has the ability to get past players in a flash due to his pace and unpredictability. The 28-year-old’s blistering pace makes him a potent counter-attacking threat from the wings and through the centre.
Linssen excels with his tactical awareness and has the tendency to draw the defenders out of their positions, which in turn creates spaces for his teammates to exploit. He is also a good passer of the ball, has a keen eye for a cross, and combines his technical abilities with his low centre of gravity to keep exceptional close control in tight areas.
With his sudden burst of pace and unpredictable movement, the Dutchman would give Middlesbrough’s attack the freshness and dynamism they are desperately lacking. Linssen’s ability to play clever passes in behind the opposition backline would be a treat for the likes of Britt Assombalonga, Rudy Gestede and Jordan Hugill.
Read more: 14 goals in 19 games – Middlesbrough shouldn’t think twice about splashing £7m on this 26-year-old Belgian league star
A versatile attacker like Linssen will definitely give Tony Pulis a cushion, particularly in the latter stages of the season when the injuries creep in. That said, Middlesbrough should definitely table an audacious bid to sign the Vitesse star.