Middlesbrough trio have point to prove after Watford exclusion plus Neil Warnock's transfer call made clear: Talking points

After a couple of days to reflect on the match, we take a closer look at where it leaves Neil Warnock’s side.

Concerns for Browne and Coulson

We all knew about Boro’s thin squad ahead of kick-off, yet Warnock’s lack of options were really made clear when you looked at the team’s bench on Friday night.

Four of the six outfield players, Marc Bola, Nathan Wood, Dael Fry and Hayden Coulson, were used in defence last season - not ideal when Boro were pushing for a late equaliser.

Warnock made just one substitution in the second half as Lewis Wing replaced George Saville in the 77th minute.

The Boro boss would argue his side were playing well and on the front foot, yet some may have expected either Coulson or Browne to enter the fray.

Coulson was one of Boro’s best players last season, excelling in both a full-back and more advanced role, yet the 22-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Warnock.

Fans have also been wondering what Browne can do this season after an impressive loan spell with Oxford in League One last term.

The pair are likely to receive a run-out against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday when they’ll look to stake a claim for more regular game time.

Can Dael Fry win his place back?

Warnock may not have the biggest squad to choose from, yet the exclusion of centre-back Dael Fry from the starting XI was an eye-catching call.

Boro look set to play a 3-5-2 system this season but don’t have many natural centre-backs in the squad.

Despite his costly mistake against Watford which allowed Craig Cathcart to score, new signing Grant Hall looks set to be a regular starter in the heart of Boro’s backline and actually performed well after a tough start.

Warnock has also found a new role for Anfernee Dijksteel on the right of a back three, with the 23-year-old producing a man of the match display against Watford in the eyes of many Boro supporters.

It was perhaps understandable that Paddy McNair was chosen in the left centre-back slot ahead of Fry, given the latter had missed a large part of pre-season and looked a little shaky in the Carabao Cup tie against Shrewsbury.

Even so, the move does raise question marks regarding Boro’s strongest starting XI, especially as McNair now faces more competition in midfield following the arrival of Sam Morsy.

Fry is also likely to start against Barnsley in the cup and it feels like the 23-year-old has a point to prove.

Bettinelli shows his value

On the face of it, a new goalkeeper didn’t look like the biggest priority for Boro this summer.

The squad is far lighter in other areas, while Dejan Stojanovic and Aynsley Pears have experience in the Championship.

Against Watford, though, it was clear to see why Warnock wanted to sign Marcus Bettinelli on a loan.

The 28-year-old didn’t have many shots to save but could be heard encouraging his team-mates, instructing his side to press and keeping his defenders in check throughout.

His debut reiterated just how important a commanding stopper can be.

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