FOOTBALL FORMATIONS

About this formation

I've always had a soft spot for Middlesbrough and had to include them in this PL. Whether it was the late nineties team with Juninho, Emerson and Ravenelli, the McLaren team with the successful UEFA cup run or the Southgate team that just couldn't stay afloat; I've always wanted to see them to do well. I think the choices in this team reflect all those era's; trying to mix the best of all of them. With 2 big strong commanding centre backs and two very good servants in the full backs (the keeper needs no explanation) I feel its a fairy decent back 4. The 2 holding midfielders allow the front 4 to go forward. Emerson will be able to drift into positions for his range efforts too. Tuncay is a personal favourite of mine, with his tireless work rate and the energy he injects. With the skilful players either side of him and the clinical Ravenelli leading the line I think this is as good a Boro team as I could have made. A few honourable mentions, Riggott, Ehiogu, Parnaby, Huth (although I felt he uited Stoke more), Zenden (who I love but he wasn't there that long, Johnson (before he was a paedophile) and Mido. Southgate has to be captain, he would have been manager as I have always rated him. I don't feel he had the best team when he went down and still did a decent job. However he had to be in the team and I am not a big fan of player/managers. The manager may cause me some ridicule but I am opting for Steve McLaren. Simply because in spite of his joke tenure as England manager and his ridiculous Dutch accent, it was the Boro job that earnt him such jobs. He got their highest finish for many a years and then went on to win the UEFA cup. Since he left they have struggled and had no where near the level of success. So mock as you will, I feel he has the credentials!