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Middlesbrough FC: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Victor Valdes of Middlesbrough in action during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough FC and Crystal Palace FC at Riverside Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) *** Local Caption **** Victor Valdes
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Victor Valdes of Middlesbrough in action during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough FC and Crystal Palace FC at Riverside Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) *** Local Caption **** Victor Valdes /
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MIDDLESBOROUGH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Stewart Downing of Middlesbrough during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Stoke City on August 13, 2016 in Middlesbrough. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBOROUGH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Stewart Downing of Middlesbrough during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Stoke City on August 13, 2016 in Middlesbrough. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images) /

Hope #3: That Stewart Downing can have a comeback campaign.

Last season, Stewart Downing made the drop from the Premier League to the EFL, signing with The Boro for 5.5. million pounds. For a guy that had featured prominently for England’s national team and had lengthy runs with both Liverpool and West Ham United the move back to Middlesbrough felt like a ‘one step from retirement’ move.

For those looking for Downing to make an appearance on one of the morning footy pregame shows yours truly has some bad news: Downing is back in the Premier League. One season after making the drop he is back with his hometown side looking to make one final run in the top league in the world.

At this stage in his career Downing does not have the wheels that he used to. However, he does still have the ability to dictate the pace of a match and can help set up linking plays in the midfield. His passing skills last year in the EFL were among the best in the league and was a major factor for Stuani  (11 goals in all competitions in 2015-2016) and David Nugent (eight goals in 2015-2016).

Middlesbrough does not need Downing to lead the attack. However they will need someone who can show patience under pressure and who can build attacking chances. Downing has done this his entire career and Boro supporters are hopeful that he can do it this season in their relegation fight.

Next: The big fear: That Aranka's lack of experience will prove costly in their relegation fight.

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