Transfer assessments, Neil Warnock's tactics, star performers and more: Verdict on Middlesbrough's start to the season

As we pause for this international weekend, it’s an ideal opportunity to take stock of the Teessiders’ start to the season.

Here, our Boro writer Joe Nicholson delivers his verdict on some of the big talking points at the Riverside:

Who's been Middlesbrough's star performer so far?

Paddy McNair.

Neil Warnock said the Northern Ireland international was like a Rolls Royce after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barnsley, and the 25-year-old has slotted into Boro’s backline seamlessly.

McNair is comfortable on the ball when stepping out of defence, while his crosses from open play and set-pieces are a real threat.

Anfernee Dijksteel has been excellent too and looks like a perfect fit in that right centre-back role.

Who has work to do?

When playing with a 3-5-2 formation, the Boro’s wing-backs have a big part to play in the side’s attacking output.

So far this season we haven’t seen the best from Djed Spence, following a strong end to last season, while Marvin Johnson’s form has also been erratic.

Warnock dropped the pair against Barnsley when Marcus Tavernier and Marc Bola performed well in the wing-back positions.

Despite his energy, Tavernier is another player who I thought had more to offer in the first few games, yet the 21-year-old made more of an impact on the flank after previously starting in the No 10 position.

Is four points from four league games a good return?

Taking into account the sides they’ve faced and Warnock’s absence from two league games, I think it’s been a solid start to the season.

You can see the foundations are taking shape and Boro look like a far tougher side to beat compared to last season.

They should have taken at least a point at Watford and were the better side in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth but just lacked a bit of cutting edge.

What do you make of Boro’s transfer window so far, and where do they still need to strengthen?

After a slow start to the window, I think Boro have strengthened in some key areas over the last few months.

Warnock said he wanted to improve the spine of the team and has brought in a new goalkeeper (Marcus Bettinelli), centre-back (Grant Hall), central midfielder (Sam Morsy) and striker (Chuba Akpom).

If Boro can complete the Patrick Roberts deal (which they will) and sign another centre-back, where I think they are short of options, it will look like a successful window.

What do you make of Boro’s tactics so far this season? Have they got it right?

In terms of formation, Warnock was almost forced to start the season with a 3-5-2 set-up.

We’ve seen Boro have more security at the back with that system and it appears to suit most of the squad.

When Roberts comes in it will give Warnock more flexibility to switch to a 4-3-3, or even a 3-4-3 like we saw at times last season.

Under Warnock there is clearly less emphasis to play out from the back and Boro aren’t afraid to go direct at times.

The Boro boss does encourage his players to express themselves in the right areas though.

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