Middlesbrough FC v Blackburn Rovers: Michael Carrick on Boro's classy Dutchman providing the individual consistency in an inconsistent team season

PATCHY and inconsistent are two words that can fairly be levelled at Middlesbrough in terms of their collective performance so far in 2023-24.
Leon Wobschall
By Leon Wobschall
Published 16th Mar 2024, 06:00 GMT

When it comes to individuals, form has also been mixed. And when talk turns to consistency, there is one player who has shown more than most.

Rav van den Berg arrived at the club last summer as a promising teenage defender, but one who was unproven at second-tier level.

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The Dutchman has taken the Championship in his consummate stride so far and has shown maturity beyond his tender years in the process.

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick with Rav van den Berg (right) after the final whistle in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg match against Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium in January. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick with Rav van den Berg (right) after the final whistle in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg match against Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium in January. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick with Rav van den Berg (right) after the final whistle in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg match against Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium in January. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

It’s incredible to think that he does not turn 20 until July following a strong season which culminated in him recently wear the captain’s armband at Stoke.

On van den Berg, whose form is being monitored by Premier League clubs, boss Michael Carrick said: "Your eye tells you certain things and we were really excited when we first saw him.

"Woody (Jonathan Woodgate) watched him a lot and knows a bit more about defending than me. But of course, we all liked what we saw and then when the opportunity came, we were desperate to bring him to the club.

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"From the start, he has been fantastic with his consistency in different positions. I don't think he's had a spectacular jump in the season, but has just been pretty stable and level with gradual improvement. Credit to him for that, as it's not easy when you are a younger player.

"But the future bodes well if he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps doing the right things and stays in the right place. He's going in the right direction."

Van den Berg is on duty in the break with the Netherlands under-21s, with Finn Azaz, Paddy McNair, Tom Glover, Riley McGree, Sammy Silvera and Marcus Forss also called up for internationals.

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Related topics:DutchmanBlackburn RoversJonathan WoodgateStoke