Middlesbrough's dilemma with Manchester City's Patrick Roberts amid Celtic transfer links

During the first four Championship games of the 2020/21 season, Boro boss Neil Warnock had spoken about looking for creativity to help his side score goals.

And after impressing at the Riverside in the second half of the previous campaign, it was hoped Roberts could offer that missing spark.

The Manchester City loanee is an agile playmaker who excites, tries to beat defenders and is comfortable on the ball.

But after looking like a player Boro would build their attack around, the 23-year-old has made just three league starts since returning to Teesside in October.

In Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Brentford, Roberts made his first appearance for nearly a month as he operated in the No 10 position behind Chuba Akpom.

There were flashes of the player’s ability, like when Roberts released Marcus Browne on the counter attack in the 21st minute, assisting the latter to force a decent save from goalkeeper Luke Daniels.

Then, in the second half, Roberts cut inside of Bees midfielder Fin Stevens before drawing a low stop from the in-form Daniels.

Those were the playmaker’s standout moments as Roberts registered 28 touches against Brentford. Of the Boro players who started, only Akpom and Browne, who was substituted with an injury before half-time, saw less of the ball.

It’s obvious that Roberts is at his best when in possession and Warnock has strongly suggested the player’s lack of game time is down to his defensive shortcomings.

This season, the ever-improving Marcus Tavernier and new signing Duncan Watmore have operated in the No 10 position for Boro. Both are players who can also switch to the flank and see out their defensive duties if required. Warnock clearly doesn’t trust Roberts to operate in the same role.

Given his reduced number of minutes, it’s hard to directly compare Roberts’ stats with the player’s first spell at Boro. Even so, the 23-year-old is clearly having less of an influence.

Last season, the playmaker attempted an average of six dribbles per 90 minutes, with a success rate of 48 per cent.

In his eight appearances this term, four of which have come off the bench, Roberts has attempted an average of seven dribbles per 90 minutes, yet only 35 per cent have been successful.

That does add up when Boro are a team who average less than 50 per cent possession per match (46.9 per cent in the Championship).

So where does it all leave Roberts as Boro and others assess their squads during the January transfer window?

Clearly the player will want more regular game time and Warnock has admitted the situation will be assessed.

The Boro boss has also challenged Roberts to stay at Boro and fight for his place. After loan spells at Celtic, Genoa, Norwich and now Boro, there’s an argument to say the 23-year-old needs some continuity.

Celtic have predictably been linked with the player after he impressed during a two-year loan spell with the Scotish side between 2016–2018.

Ultimately the decision will probably rest with the player and City, depending on interest from elsewhere.

Roberts’ strengths are clear to see yet finding a way to maximise them and accommodate the player’s weaknesses is proving harder than anticipated.

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