“Not solved their striker issue in my eyes” – Millwall seal transfer agreement with Middlesbrough: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Millwall confirmed the addition of Middlesbrough striker Duncan Watmore on Deadline Day, with the 28-year-old arriving at The Den for an undisclosed fee.

The versatile and pacey attacker arrived in London after Benik Afobe and Isaac Olaofe departed earlier in the window, as Gary Rowett managed to strengthen his attacking options right at the death.

Watmore had netted five goals and provided two assists in 21 appearances for the Teesside club this season, although he was restricted to just 10 starts.

The Lions are looking to break into the play-off positions during what remains of this Championship campaign and will be hoping that Watmore can help them in achieving a top-six spot.

Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts on the arrival of Watmore and whether or not they can see him emerging as a regular starter…

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MILLWALL WERE FOUNDED IN 1884

REAL FAKE

Billy Mulley

I think Watmore is an excellent addition and he certainly has the ability to make an impact as the Lions look to chase down a play-off spot.

Possessing electric pace, bags of energy and a real intelligence to his play, he is a forward that will cause a different kind of threat to current striking options at The Den.

At his most influential when operating off the shoulder of the last defender, he could thrive in and amongst the creativity within this current Millwall side.

There is certainly scope for Watmore to emerge as a regular starter as the rest of this season plays out, however, Rowett could select his striker based on the requirements of each game.

For example, if they need pace to stretch defences and perhaps play more counter-attacking football, then Watmore is your man.

Marcus Ally

With Oliver Burke coming in to offer support to Tom Bradshaw as a central striker, Duncan Watmore comes in to provide further variety to Gary Rowett’s attacking contingent.

The 28-year-old was a very important player for Middlesbrough in 2020/21 and 2021/22, but Michael Carrick appears to be heading in a different direction with the current squad on Teesside.

Watmore has been used as a nine or in a front two at Boro, but will likely step into a wider role in South London, with Zian Flemming set to play just behind Bradshaw, Burke or Andreas Voglsammer.

Watmore will not be a guaranteed starter initially, and has been utilised as an impact substitute successfully in the past, but in time he should prove his worth to Rowett.

The former Sunderland man should start his Lions career above Mason Bennett and Tyler Burey in the pecking order.

Ned Holmes

Duncan Watmore is not the reliable number nine that Millwall fans were hoping for but he’s a good addition to the squad.

A versatile and dynamic forward, Watmore’s energy and industry should make him popular at The Den but ultimately he’s probably not going to be a consistent goal threat.

He might chip in with one or two, and that might be enough to help the Lions secure a top six place, but he’s not solved their striker issue in my eyes.

I wouldn’t describe him as a guaranteed striker by any means but his versatility means we can expect to see him feature fairly regularly.