THE ADOLESCENT ANALYST
MIDDLESBROUGH v DONCASTER ROVERS
Jonathan Barber; 25 Aug 2009
Player Ratings (Formation 4-4-2)
Danny Coyne 7/10
He was not troubled very often. However, he pulled off a great save to deny Doncaster an equaliser. Taking a few catches, he had a solid performance overall.
Tony McMahon 8/10
He looked assured and eager to get forward. He was never caught out by tricky winger James Coppinger and he made a few good tackles too. He should keep his place for the next game.
Jonny Grounds 9/10
It was a fine display from the local lad. His distribution was excellent and he also looked strong in the air. He deserves a place in the line-up against Forest.
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Robert Huth 8/10
It was another solid display from the big German centre-back. He looked very strong and comfortable on the ball. Boro fans will hope that this superb display was not his last for Boro.
David Wheater 8/10
Boro's 'own' dealt with Doncaster's plucky strike-force well. Boro will hope the future England international will stay and continue his great partnership with Robert Huth.
Mark Yeates 6/10
It was not one of the new boy's best performances. He put in a lot of effort, swapping wings with Adam Johnson, but he was guilty of giving possession away cheaply on more than one occasion.
Adam Johnson 7/10
Jinky showed flashes of brilliance but he did not do anything spectacular. He looked tricky down the left and he also set up Leroy Lita for his goal. However, he often lacked end product.
Rhys Williams 6/10
He did not live up to the performances he has produced this season. He put in a few strong tackles but he gave the ball away more times than you would expect.
Julio Arca 8/10
The surprise inclusion played better than expected. Never shying from a tackle, the Argentinean also looked confident coming forward and comfortable in possession.
Marvin Emnes 5/10
Looked lively and showed some nice touches before being clobbered by boo-boy Neil Sullivan.
Leroy Lita 7/10
Did well to set up Tuncay for the opening goal of the game. If that wasn't enough, he also scored a cracking volley. However, he was caught offside far too often. This goal could be the first of many for the new-boy Leeeeeeeroy.
Subs
Tuncay Sanli 9/10
Put a lot of effort in, despite wanting out of the club. He scored a well taken goal to continue his early season form. If this is his last game for Boro, he should be regarded as one of the best foreign players to put on a Boro shirt. An excellent performance.
Andrew Taylor 5/10
Did not really impress which means he should be on the bench again next game.
