Defender Daniel Ayala was included in the EFL’s team of the week following his recent performance against Nottingham Fotest.
The Spaniard earned Boro an early seventh-minute lead that was improved upon by Stewart Downing before the break. That raised Ayala’s individual tally to six goals in 34 games this season.
It’s a decent return for a centre-back who joined the club in a permanent deal from Norwich City in January 2014 and actually scored on his debut.
“Like [Derby’s Alex] Pearce, Ayala did the business at either end as Middlesbrough kept hold of their place in the Championship play-offs,” commented the EFL website with regards to his performance.”
Full Team: Ruddy, Pearce, Collins, Ayala, Wilson, Newell, Whitehouse, Murphy, Grigg, Delfouneso, Forte, Harris