Voting has finished and the right midfielder has been decided for the Riverside Dream Team.
As most Boro fans will know, there hasn’t been many out and out right midfielders/wingers at the Riverside so this vote was fought out by only a few candidates.
3rd came current Boro star Gary O’Neil with 18% of the votes. O’Neil arrived in the summer of last year, he isnt at his best when on the right of midfield as he is most effective when played through the centre. However, in the first part of last season certainly, he put in some great displays out wide and certainly put in the hard work when needed to track back. He did fade after the turn of the year but that was mainly due to his problems settling in on Teesside. He has though, to the delight of everyone associated with the Boro, committed his future to the club and hopefully he will have many happy years playing for us.
2nd with 32% of the votes was James Morrison. Morrison is another who could be more effective through the middle of midfield but he is very effective at beating his full back on the wing. Morrison broke through from the academy and made 66 league appearances on Teesside and scored 3 goals, he also played in Europe and scored a few. Born in Darlington, Morrison is a local lad, but is also a Scottish international thanks to his grandparents. He currently plays for West Brom having moved on in the summer of last year but many Boro fans feel it was a mistake by Gareth Southgate to let him go.
But 1st, with 50% of the votes is Gaizka Mendieta. ‘Mendi’ played 62 league games for Boro and scored 4 goals – his most memorable versus Man United in the 4-1 thrashing of them at the Riverside during the 2005-2006 season. He also scored at Wigan on the road to Carling Cup glory in 2004 – helping the club lift our first ever piece of domestic silverware, the Carling Cup. However, his stay on Teesside was plagued with injuries and he only ever had a couple of good runs in the team where he showed the type of form which makes him one of the most expensive footballers ever. He could play on the right or in the centre of midfield, most effective deployed in the latter.
With only a few choices available, Mendieta was the best choice so is another deserving entrant into the Riverside Dream Team.
The poll to find the left midfielder 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)
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