So, the line-up has been completed with the 2nd striker being voted into the Riverside Dream Team.
Winning the poll with 37% of the votes is £12.7m record buy Afonso Alves.
Alves signed from Heerenveen in January just gone after a long, drawn out transfer saga which covered almost everything which can go wrong. Firstly there was the price difference between Boro and Heerenveen’s valuations which had to be sorted. He then wwent on strike after not being allowed a move, only for AZ Alkmaar to come out and claim they had an agreement with the Brazillian that he would sign for them. A couple of cases had to be resolved and Boro finally got the go-ahead to push the deal through in the final hours of the mid season transfer window. We never do anything easily.
Southgate brought Alves into the team bit by bit and this proved to be a masterstroke when he finished up with 6 goals from 11 league appearances. This included a brace against Man United and a hat-trick on the last day of the season versus Man City. For his previous clubs, ‘The Fonze’ scored 98 goals in 142 league games.
So, he could prove to be a great buy but he has done nothing yet to repay the hige transfer fee Boro paid for him.
The poll to finfind the manager for the dream team is now open so get voting!
Riverside Dream Team:
1. Mark Schwarzer (1997-2008)
2. Luke Young (2007-present)
3. Franck Queudrue (2001-2006)
4. Juninho (1995-1997, 1999-2000, 2002-2004)
5. Gary Pallister (1984-1989 and (1998-2001)
6. Gareth Southgate (2001-2006)
7. Gaizka Mendieta (2003-2008)
8. Emerson (1996-1997)
9. Fabrizio Ravenelli (1996-1998)
10. Afonso Alves (2008-present)
11. Stewart Downing (Academy – present)
Manager –
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I think he will be on wild fire next season scoring over 15 goals at the least, he looked good anyways to start with but i think now after pre-season and all i think hes going to be up to speed and a great addition, well done gareth great signing.
hopefully you are right, if the end of last season is anything to go by – imagine how good he will be when 100% fit and sharp.
Another brace against Man Utd will do for me!!
Looking at the new training and the new coaching and sports staff we look fitter than ever and we will be amazing like you said if we are 100% fit and if pre-season is anything to go by we should be doing well come the end of the season, i say top 10 finish we need it and Gareth?s got to prove a point he?s had 3 seasons and we’ve all been patient.
Yeah Luke I hope your right about the top 10, and as we discussed, a UEFA spot would be just what we need to show the rest of the Premiership our true colours.
And yes I believe Alves was a great signing and can’t wait to see him shine this season.