Middlesbrough picked up a point on the road against Hull City last night and there was one standout performance.
Michael Carrick‘s side led in the contest but the hosts turned it around just before half-time, leaving Boro with work to do in the second period.
Their endeavour paid off when Finn Azaz netted a 71st-minute leveller and they pushed for a winner towards the end, though, it wasn’t to be.
It was a disappointing result for both sides, who needed to secure victory in their bids to close the gap on the top six.
Notwithstanding that, Carrick was pleased with his team’s performance and one ace really stood out.
Matt Clarke was phenomenal v Hull City
Matt Clarke has endured his injury troubles and missed the first portion of the season with a back injury, but since returning, he’s been a colossus.
That notion was only amplified yesterday as he put in a stellar performance against Hull, earning one of the highest ratings across the Boro squad, according to Sofascore. Here are his incredible statistics from the game.
- 79 touches
- 88% accurate passes
- 7 clearances
- 100% duels won
- 4 tackles
He was nominated for the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of the Month for March, which further evidences how influential he has been for Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough should hand Matt Clarke a new contract
Clarke has looked every inch of a top-flight player in recent weeks and there could be some clubs sniffing around him this summer if Boro fail to gain promotion.
With his contract due to expire next year, potential suitors may be eyeing a cut-price deal for the 27-year-old.
Premier League outfit Brighton, having signed him in 2019, clearly spotted a player with the ability to play at the elite level and that promise is now coming to the fore under Carrick’s stewardship.
Middlesbrough have the option to extend his current deal for another year, as per Transfermarkt, and they should certainly consider doing so before the summer transfer window opens.
Being a natural left-footed, he’ll be more sought after than most defenders in the Championship because his profile can often be difficult to find.
The modern managers love a left-sided centre-half, as it allows for more patterns of play when building out from the back.
Boro chiefs will just need to keep an eye on Clarke’s contract situation, particularly after a number of marvellous performances in recent weeks.