Middlesbrough questioned for Alex Gilbert decision - "It's simple really" | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has named which one player he's surprised wasn't sold last summer

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough had a busy summer transfer period following the change in manager at the end of the previous campaign.

Rob Edwards was brought in following the decision to part ways with Michael Carrick, and the ex-Luton Town boss has helped shape the squad to his liking.

A number of players were signed, including a big deadline day move for David Strelec, as well as the arrivals of players like Adilson Malanda, Sontje Hansen and Abdoulaye Kanté.

But a number of exits were also agreed, including the loss of Finn Azaz to Southampton, along with Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson, among others.

Middlesbrough exit claim made over Alex Gilbert

When asked which one player they were surprised didn’t leave the club, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day named Alex Gilbert.

He claimed a permanent sale in January would make the most sense, as the 23-year-old has not shown enough to suggest he can be a useful part of Edwards’ first team plans.

“The player is Alex Gilbert,” Day told Football League World.

“He needs game time, it’s simple really.

“He’s at the age now where sitting on the bench — he’s even struggling to make the bench — it’s not worth it for his development.

“He went out on loan last year with Charlton and he didn’t impress too much, but he had some flashes.

“He’s not done much in his time in a Boro shirt, and I’ve not been too impressed by him in pre-season when he had a couple of opportunities against the likes of Hartlepool.

“He failed to make a mark and impress, and I think that was quite worrying, really.

“And I’m very surprised he’s not at least got a loan move this summer, so I think they’d be quite desperate to get some game time under him and probably leave permanently in January, and I think that’s probably right for his development, if I’m being honest.”

Middlesbrough have made a strong start to the new season, with the Teesside outfit sitting top of the table with a 100 per cent record after four games.

Next up for Edwards’ team is a trip to Deepdale on 13 September to face Preston North End in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Alex Gilbert situation should’ve been sorted during the summer

Gilbert doesn’t look to be a part of Edwards’ plans at Middlesbrough after an impressive pre-season.

He has not featured in the team in their opening four fixtures, and didn’t even get onto the pitch during their EFL Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers.

The 23-year-old was loaned out last January, and he made 12 appearances in League One for Charlton, but he didn’t show enough to suggest he’s ready for the Championship.

Middlesbrough should’ve worked to find a loan for the forward, at the very least, as his value is only going to depreciate with how little game time he’s likely to receive between now and the January market opening.