Middlesbrough defeated Sunderland despite the absence of Darragh Lenihan, Jonny Howson, Riley McGree, and Rav van den Berg.
Michael Carrick believes Middlesbrough have tremendous depth, as evidenced by their win over Sunderland on Saturday.
Boro won emphatically at the Stadium of Light, confirming their comeback after a terrible start to the season, capitalizing on Dan Neil’s red card to beat their north east opponents. Boro won their fourth league game in a row, indicating that they are on the right track.
Most Boro fans were undoubtedly pleased with the manner in which Sunderland won. However, given that the win came despite the absence of Darragh Lenihan, Jonny Howson, Riley McGree, and Rav van den Berg, Carrick was pleased because it underlined the strength in depth that Carrick has spoken about since the summer transfer window, even when results weren’t going as planned.
READ MORE: Boro’s newfound confidence and squad depth on display in Sunderland win
“Just because some boys aren’t involved every week doesn’t mean I’ve lost faith in them,” Carrick remarked after Sunderland. They’ll all play at some time during the season, for whatever reason. That’s why we want alternatives throughout the squad as part of having a squad.
“I’m delighted for those boys who haven’t played as much as they’d like to have had that kind of impact.” And the guys coming off the bench. We felt incredibly powerful all-around tonight, despite having Jonny and Darragh on the bench, and it showed in the way we kicked on in the second half.
“They’re all important players for us, and having to sit any of them is difficult right now.” But because we’re all together, it’s easier and more helpful for everyone. As I’ve previously stated, “the players who aren’t on the team are the most important because they set the tone and the standards around the place.”
