Middlesbrough’s 3-3 friendly draw with Espanyol at the Riverside provided the first sustained look at two of the club’s summer signings, Sebastian Berhalter and Will Lankshear. While results in pre-season are subordinate to preparation, the game offered meaningful clues about how the new arrivals could influence Kim Hellberg’s side when the Championship resumes.
Distinct roles, complementary attributes
Managerial preference settled Middlesbrough into a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, with clear assignments for both recruits. Berhalter operated as the central midfielder alongside Aidan Morris, adopting a linking, technical role rather than the more driving midfield profile fans might associate with Hayden Hackney. Lankshear took the lone striker role, bringing a physical presence that had been conspicuously absent at times last term.
- Will Lankshear: a focal centre forward; strong with his back to goal, effective in holding up play and probing defenders.
- Sebastian Berhalter: a technically assured central midfielder; notable for one-touch passes and flicks that helped progress play.
- Both players adjusted quickly despite limited training time together.
The contrast between the pair was striking: Lankshear’s directness and ability to unsettle defenders could supply a more consistent attacking outlet, while Berhalter’s passing and movement offered a different route into the final third. Observers at the Riverside saw Lankshear repeatedly involved in build-up, using his strength to retain possession and create space, then rotating off to get into scoring positions. Berhalter, by contrast, rarely forced the issue with carry-drives; his influence was primarily in tempo control and distribution.
“He made it look like he’d been in the side and playing with those players for years.”
What this means for Middlesbrough
Last season Middlesbrough were frequently criticised for lacking a consistent focal point in attack and for midfield passing options that did not always vary the tempo. The Riverside showing suggested both issues could be addressed: Lankshear supplies the target-man characteristics that can bring others into play, while Berhalter can provide the passing range to unlock tight defences. That combination, if replicated in competitive fixtures, might alter how Hellberg’s team constructs attacks.
| Player | Primary role at Riverside | Key attribute observed |
|---|---|---|
| Will Lankshear | Centre forward | Physical hold-up play; intelligent movement into the box |
| Sebastian Berhalter | Central midfielder | One-touch passing; linking play |
It remains early: pre-season matches are experiments rather than definitive templates. Conditioning, tactical tweaks and further integration will determine whether these early impressions translate into consistent Championship performances. Nevertheless, supporters seeking signs of progress returned home with reason for guarded optimism after a lively encounter that showcased two signings who appear to fulfil clearly complementary functions within the squad.
Expect attention now to turn to how Hellberg balances midfield dynamism and forward presence as competitive fixtures approach, and whether the recruitment decisions signalled at the Riverside prove decisive over the coming season.
