Alan Browne makes Kim Hellberg admission amid utilitarian Boro role - 'He keeps me guessing'
Alan Browne has discussed his unique squad role at Middlesbrough under Kim Hellberg.
Alan Browne has admitted Kim Hellberg has ‘kept him guessing’ in his utilitarian squad role at Middlesbrough this season.
Browne joined Boro on loan from Sunderland last summer and has since made 32 Championship appearances. However, nominally a central midfielder, the 30-year-old has rarely featured in his natural position under Hellberg. Instead, Browne has filled in at right-back to cover Callum Brittain due to injury, while more recently, he’s slotted in on the wings, in attacking midfield, and even sometimes up-front in an incredible display of versatility.
Alan Browne discussing Middlesbrough squad role under Kim Hellberg
The result has been four goals and an assist from Browne, who is also second among his teammates for interceptions (1.23) and fourth for aerial duels won (1.69) per 90 minutes.
Browne has earned his spot back in the Republic of Ireland squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic on Thursday, with a final against either Denmark or North Macedonia hopefully to follow. Speaking ahead of that match, Browne has admitted Hellberg has been keeping him on his toes, but he’s happy to slot in to any position - including one day on the left flank.
“Since the manager came in last November, he’s played me in a hybrid role. I find myself in the middle, the right, sometimes up front as the No 9. He keeps me guessing most weeks on the position!” former Preston North End man Browne said in an interview with the Irish Examiner.
“It depends on the opposition’s style and we adapt. On the back of that, I could find myself dropping into midfield if that’s where the space is, out wide if we’re doubling up on an opponent. “It’s not so much a set formation, more fluid within the game. We all know our roles because of his level of detail. I’ll keep the book open for a spot on the left eventually too.”
Browne will be back in action at club level when Boro take on Millwall in a crucial clash in the Championship promotion race on Friday, 3rd April, at 12:30pm.
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