Negredo has to put up a fight
MIDDLESBROUGH boss Aitor Karanka wants Alvaro Negredo to come out fighting – and prove he is right to rate him alongside Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku.
Negredo is pushing for a recall – along with Gaston Ramirez – after they were dropped to the bench for the 1-1 draw at West Ham two weeks ago.
Former Manchester City striker Negredo is under pressure after paying the price for scoring only once in seven appearances since his summer loan arrival from Valencia.
But Karanka said: “I am here to try to take that pressure because I knew it was going to be difficult for him.
“He started really well, but sometimes when you start really well you start to get a bit more relaxed and you lose your position. “For that reason, he has to fight. “He’s learning. Of course, I want him to find that edge again because, playing at his best, I can compare him with Benteke or Lukaku, or the better strikers in the league.’’
Ramirez was the provider when Negredo struck on the opening day of the season in the 1-1 home draw with Stoke.
And Karanka is now asking for a positive reaction from the pair. He added: “At the start of the season, Alvaro and Gaston wanted to show how good they are, because both of them are really good players.
“With their quality, they were doing a really good job, but with games, both of them lost that.
“The main thing for me is to try to put the players who are working on the pitch for their teammates.
“Of course, Gaston is an important player for us when he’s at his best – and at his best he can bring the best out of Alvaro.
“Against West Ham, I decided to put them both on the bench – so let’s now see their reaction.’’
Ramirez’s compatriot, Cristhian Stuani, is outgunning Negredo – his opener against West Ham was his third goal this season.
Stuani has largely been used in a wide-right role, but Karanka said: “Stuani is an option through the middle because he played the last 30 minutes there against Tottenham.
“He prefers to play as a No 9, but I told him when I signed him which position he was going to play.
“But I know, as a second striker or striker, his record has been really good. I used him there against Tottenham and, for sure, I will use him there again.’’