Is gamble worth taking
also holds the ball up reasonably well and provides a phyiscal presence up front.
The former Preston forward can operate comfortably in the lone striker role but is another who will benefit once Pulis improves the potential service.
Like Hugill, Gestede’s has suffered in that his season has been slow to get into gear because of injury.
Rudy is Boro’s biggest threat in a crowded goalmouth, partly due to his heading ability, but arguably needs to be part of a front two rather than foraging as a lone striker.
Braithwaite has so much to offer but has been a disappointment since August.
The Dane did believe that he would be leaving Teesside during the summer, either for Italy or Spain, and must have been frustrated when potential moves fell through.
In the event, Pulis stressed that Braithwaite’s attitude was still spot on and that his personal standards would not drop.
However, Braithwaite had appeared in many games only in flashes. He is capable of producing more if he can step up a couple of gears.
Hugill currently remains the man most likely, but all of Boro’s strikers could be looking over their shoulders in January. months earlier. The midfielder did superbly well at Millwall, scoring 10 goals in 45 appearances and generally making a big impact in the Championship.
He has a proven record at this level. That’s why Boro will be looking for him to step up his efforts if he wants to do himself justice on Teesside.
Competition for midfield places is hotter at the Boro than in any other area of the pitch. There are six experienced senior players competing for three places.
That’s in addition to the pressure currently being put on the regulars by up-and-coming lads such as Lewis Wing and Marcus Tavernier, both of whom have had chances recently.
Adam Clayton’s place is virtually a given bearing in mind his non-stop running and covering in a defensive capacity.
In addition the effervescent Jonny Howson and his box-to-box colleague Mo Besic are also making major impacts and are worthy of their places.
So the challenge for Saville is plain to see. Hopefully he can grasp the nettle and produce the kind of football which makes it virtually impossible to leave him out. George Saville and Jason Puncheon of Crystal Palace during the Carabao Cup match at the Riverside Stadium