Aitor Karanka has revealed he sees on-loan Serbian new boy Milos Veljkovic primarily as a defender.
The highly-rated Swiss-born Spurs starlet finalised his initial three months loan move yesterday and is set to travel with the Boro squad to Brighton today for tomorrow’s Championship tussle on the South Coat.
Versatile Veljkovic, 19, plays primarily as a holding midfielder for Tottenham’s development squad and twice came off the bench to play in their engine room in the Premier League.
He also featured in a deep midfield role when playing for Spurs in the Europa League earlier this season.
But he is equally comfortable at the back - and that is where Karanka expects he will see more action at Boro.
“Milos is still a very young player but he one with a very high potential and for that reason we are happy he has joined us,” said Karanka after completing the formalties on a 93 day loan that could be extended in January if it goes well.
“I have not seen him play personally but I have watched many DVDs and my staff have watched him closely.
“We believe he is a very good talent who can play either as a central defender or as a central midfielder and we think he will be a good fit for us.
“I had a long chat with his manager (Mauricio Pochettino) because I have a very good relationship with him. We were on the same UEFA coaching course in Spain and of course I have played against him many time and I think of him as a friend
“I have had conversations with Milos too and between us we all thought that for Tottenham, for us and for the player it was best that he joined us.
“It is going to be important for Milos because he has the chance to be involved with a professional team, where he is going to have chances to play in the first XI. It will help his development and be good for him .
“It will also be good for us because we need a player who can play in the midfield and also as a central defender.”
Boro’s lack of depth in midfield was exposed last month against Blackpool when Dean Whitehead was suspended and Adam Clayton left the pitch feeling unwell leaving Boro with just one experienced central midfielder in the shape of skipper Grant Leadbitter.
The arrival of Veljkovic would boost numbers in that important department, although the new boy would probably be well down the pecking order.
But Karanka explained that he sees the Serb as morelikely to feature at the back.
With on-going fitness problems for Jonathan Woodgate that department only has Ben Gibson, Kenneth Omeruo and Daniel Ayala as first team regulars in a position where bookings and suspensions are an occupational hazard.
And the Spanish supremo has challenged Veljkovic to fight for a place in a unit that has kept four clean sheets in their last six Championship games.
“He can play in midfield but for me is more of a central defender,” said Karanka.
“He started his career with FC Basel as a defender and he played in that role two times for Serbia against Spain in the Under-21 games during the international break.
“He has good qualities there as he is strong and athletic and can tackle but he can also pass the ball well. And he enjoys playing in defence too.
“So for me he is best as a central defender - but we will play him in whatever position the team needs him.”
And if the team needs him, Karanka will not hesitate to select him he insisted.
“He is here to challenge for a position,” said the head coach.
“He is one more player like all the others: if he is working hard and training well then he will have an opportunity.
“And if he takes that opportunity in the team then he has the chance to stay there.
“For me the important thing is what you do on the training ground and the mentality and attitude you show. If he does that he will get a chance.
“This is a long season with a lot of games so of course he will get a chance.
“Some months there will be many games. And there will be injuries and suspensions. It is impossible to play with the same XI every week so he will get a chance.
“We have many young players here, from Chelsea and one more from Spurs and from our own Academy and the rule is the same: Milos only has to look at the other young players to see that if you work hard you will get an opportunity.
“Ryan Fredericks had to wait one month but he came in when Damia Abella got injured and took his chance.
“When Kenneth Omeruo came here he also had to wait one month and then he took his chance and finished the season at the World Cup.
“It is important for every player to take their chance when it comes.”
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