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All eyes on Leeds United - with Boro confident of blunting another promotion rival
HAVING showcased their promotion credentials with a deserved draw at Burnley on Friday night, Middlesbrough are hoping to lay down another marker when they head to Elland Road to face high-flying Leeds United tomorrow night.
Boro were the better side for long spells at Turf Moor, with Anfernee Dijksteel opening the scoring with a neat finish before Connor Roberts’ long-term strike restored parity for Burnley.
Returning across the Pennines with a point helped confirm Boro’s status as genuine promotion contenders, and Michael Carrick and his players will be aiming to prosper against another of their rivals when they make the short trip south to Leeds.
Daniel Farke’s side beat Derby County 2-0 on Saturday, and have won eight of their ten home league matches so far this season, but Boro have already triumphed at Elland Road once this campaign courtesy of their 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup back in mid-August.
“Our focus is always on the next game, so it’s all eyes on Leeds now and then after that, we just try and do our best every game, trying to win every game, and we’ll see where we stand after that,” said Dijksteel, who will hope to retain his place at right-back ahead of former Leeds favourite Luke Ayling tomorrow.
“A point (at Burnley) was a good result. They’re one of the best teams in the Championship, so 1-1 is not a bad result. It was a tough night, but we did well as a team.
“You can say we had chances and maybe should have won it, but, to be fair, they were good as well. It was a good game, two good teams trying to win. It feels a fair result.”
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Dijksteel looked likely to leave Teesside in the summer, with Ayling having established himself as Boro’s first-choice right-back last season.
However, with Tommy Smith still absent because of a long-term Achilles injury, Carrick opted to keep the 28-year-old at the Riverside, and Dijksteel has responded with a string of impressive displays that have seen him get the nod to start ahead of Ayling in three of Boro’s last five games.
“I’ve always felt at home at Middlesbrough, and always had a good time,” said Dijksteel. “But, of course, I’m playing more and enjoying a good run right now.”
Friday-night’s goal was the full-back’s first since he scored in the League Cup win over Leeds at the start of the season, and first in the league since he netted for Charlton in a 4-0 win over Scunthorpe back in April 2019.
It showcased both his attacking qualities and willingness to attack, attributes that have always been a key part of his game despite his lack of success in front of goal in recent seasons.
“It felt great to score,” said Dijksteel. “It was a good set up from Dan (Barlaser), he’s probably got one the best passes in the team. I just enjoyed everything about it - celebrating with the lads, it was great. It’s not the most comfortable position for me (so far forward), but you just try and do your best and see what can happen.
“It’s a bit of a shock, but I’m buzzing about it. The gaffer does ask me to try and get forward, especially on the outside - trying to get the ball past the winger. I think it’s one of my best attributes, pushing on and trying to then cutback for the striker or number ten.”
