Ayala’s form shows what Boro have missed

DANIEL Ayala’s heart-warming return to form is a poignant reminder of what might have been this season. The tough defender was widely expected to be one of the mainstays of the club’s battle to gain a foothold in the Premier League. But niggling injuries and loss of form took their toll on the Spaniard. Now that he is finally getting back into top gear, Boro have a clear picture of what they have been missing.

Assuming that Boro are back in the Championship next season then Ayala will again have a crucial role to play, especially if Ben Gibson moves on.

Boro will retain a strong defensive squad, even with Calum Chambers returning to Arsenal.

Colombian defender Bernardo Espinosa will probably play a lot of first-team football next season, while Middlesbrough-born Eng- land Under-20 international Dael Fry looks certain to break through if he continues to progress.

Boro have lots of options at fullback, where it was good to see George Friend return against Arsenal and put in a typical hard-running display.

The keeper situation is interesting in that we must wait to see what the future holds for former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes.

The Spaniard has been a solid last line of defence since being pitched straight into the action in the opening game against Stoke City, and is popular with the fans.

Brad Guzan is heading back to the United States to link up with Atlanta United, while it’s possible that Dimi Konstantopoulos, at the age of 38, has played his last game for the club. So goalkeeper is a position which will need plenty of attention during the summer.

The same applies at the other end of the pitch where Boro need a couple of attacking midfielders plus strikers with decent scoring records.