Middlesbrough gave themselves some breathing space above the relegation zone with a 3-0 victory over Swansea City at the weekend. Bob Bradley’s men are now three points from safety and the club’s managerial change isn’t making a great deal of sense yet.
Aitor Karanka has found himself under some pressure recently, with the expectations high around Middlesbrough. Two goals from Alvaro Negredo helped changed that slightly, and Karanka will be keen for the Spanish striker to get into a goalscoring run.
Negredo isn’t the only Middlesbrough player who came out of the game receiving praise. Gaston Ramirez has been named in Gazzetta dello Sport’s European Team of the Week for his performance.
A couple of assists from the Uruguayan helped him stand out for Middlesbrough, and Ramirez is one of three Premier League players in this week’s selection from Gazzetta.
Ramirez seems settled at Middlesbrough and is an important part of Karanka’s plans.