Neil Warnock hails Middlesbrough's defensive record and picks out these key players

Boro have a weekend off due to international fixtures and boss Neil Warnock has been reflecting on his side’s impressive defensive stats.

His defence has conceded just once in seven games, with Boro only conceding five goals in their 11 matches so far this season.

There was another eye-catching statistic after Saturday’s goalless draw at Brentford, a result which saw Boro extend their unbeaten run to ten games.

The Teessiders haven’t gone that many matches undefeated since the 2015-16 campaign, when Aitor Karanka led them to promotion.

While the goals for column remains a concern, Warnock has been pleased with the way his defenders have adapted to his methods this season and has spoken of his pride at their record.

Warnock said: “The defensive record really makes me proud because they've worked really hard at it.

“Back to Cornwall in pre season, I told the lads what I wanted to do, we played Plymouth twice and it looked really good to me.

“Once we got Dael back to full fitness it just blossomed.

“Bola and Dijksteel, well I don't think it is Bola and Dijksteel, they look like two different players because when I came I didn't see that in either but they've both been fantastic.

“And Marcus (Bettinelli) has done well as well. It looked like a blaring mistake from that lad but he came out really quick and put him off.

“His concentration levels have been very good.”

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