Middlesbrough have a number of exciting young players coming through the ranks of their academy.
That was further highlighted earlier this week, with new contracts for two individuals currently working in the youth setup.
Both Charlie Lennon and Charlie Woolston have put pen to paper on new deals to secure their future with the club.
Middlesbrough did earn praise for that move, with calls for the duo to be given a chance in the first-team.
However, there have no been suggestions that some of ‘Boro’s recent moves in the transfer window, may limit the opportunites of some of those young prospects.
Middlesbrough sent message of academy player opportunities
It was a busy summer transfer window at The Riverside Stadium. In total, 12 new players were added to Michael Carrick‘s first-team squad.
However, Graeme Bailey believes that not only are some of those players not up to scratch, but also that they are stunting the opportunities of some of those coming through Middlesbrough’s youth system.
Speaking to boro.news, the journalist was asked if he thinks there are any players in the club’s academy who could soon break into the first-team.
Responding to that question, Bailey said:
“I think there is plenty of players, if they’re given that chance. What Middlesbrough did last summer by bringing in a lot of young players, I think clogged up the system. I don’t agree with it in a lot of ways. That’s now how Middlesbrough operate. Yeah, [Rav] van den Berg’s done well, but some of the players like Alex Gilbert for instance, Sammy Silvera
” who’s done okay but nothing to write home about, these are getting in the way of Middlesbrough’s academy prospects. Middlesbrough are built on their academy. It’s one of the best academies in the country.
“I’m not sure we’ve seen much of the academy this year. Tom Glover’s come in, but why hasn’t Sol Brynn come back? He’s one of the best goalkeepers in League One at Leyton Orient. Alex Bangura’s come in; bang average player. They’re signing good young players but Middlesbrough shouldn’t be doing that, in my opinion.”
There are eight games of the regular season remaining in which ‘Boro could give opportunities to some of those who are currently in their academy setup.
Young ‘Boro prospects deserve their chance
It would seem to make sense for Middlesbrough to give an opportunity to some of their young players between now and the end of the season.
As Bailey has suggested here, not all of the signings the club have made in the summer, have been good enough.
That has led to a situation where ‘Boro are now almost out of the play-off race, while nowhere near the relegation battle.
So with the pressure now almost completely off the club, this could be a good time to give some of their young prospects the chance to show what they can do for Middlesbrough.
Doing so, could help to ensure they are well-prepared to make the step up to playing more regular football for the club in the not too distant future.
If they can show their potential and make an impact while doing that, they could put themselves in contention to play a bigger part for Middlesbrough next season.
In doing so, it may raise questions about the position at the club, of some of those signings that Bailey has been clearly disappointed with.