MARCUS TAVERNIER

AGE: 18 CLUB: MK DONS (LOAN FROM MIDDLESBROUGH) POSITION: ATTACKING MIDFIELDER VALUE: £2M 2017-18 APPS: 11 (8 FOR BORO, 3 FOR MK DONS) GOALS: 2

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

A YOUNGSTER giving a composed display among more senior players, he was impressive. Left-footed, this young Middlesbrough player showed mature adaptability. I was impressed with the way he moved around off the main striker. During the 90 minutes I saw, he popped up in attacking areas on the left and right as well as spending time off the central forward. As a consequence he was difficult to pick up, but the biggest reason he got a fair amount of possession of the ball was because he was constantly making himself available for colleagues’ passes. His movement to receive was excellent. Generally he comes towards the ball to receive rather than run beyond. I like his attitude. After hitting a wayward corner he hit a wild shot over the bar within two minutes. But these errors did not deter him and he was immediately demanding the ball again. Then, when the opposition floated a cross into the box, he popped up at the back post to head calmly over his own bar. He was tracking back and marking and denied the opposition forward a certain goal. His control is good, a nice easy style when trapping and moving with the ball.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

HE will need some experience and more games but he certainly has confidence for his age. When surrounded by three defenders near the byline he appeared trapped but he calmly turned out, shielded the ball and played back to his full back. He moves easily and has a nice body swerve that I would like to have seen him use more often. He seems relatively sharp and did not shirk a tackle when challenged. On this evidence — where he was the most constructive player on the field — he looks as though he could progress to play regular Championship football.