Matchwinner Albert Adomah may have scored fewer goals for Boro this season but the Ghanaian winger believes he is now a more complete player.
Adomah scored the only goal in last night's win over Bolton after a glorious Lee Tomlin pass and despite the lack of headline-grabbing magic moments this season, insists he now contributes more to the team.
Last season's top scorer has been deployed in a deeper, more conservative role this term and has adapted a new disciplined and defensive mind-set, pressing high and tracking back.
“I have played in a very different role this season but it has definitely, definitely developed me as a player,” Adomah said.
“I have been working harder, keeping the shape, tackling back, taking responsibility... I’m a better player now.”
In Aitor Karanka’s first season Adomah was used primarily in a creative role as an attacking wideman alongside a lone striker, first either Lucas Jutkiewicz or Marvin Emnes then later supporting Danny Graham.
And in a productive season he excited with wriggling runs down the flanks and a healthy return of 12 goals from 38 starts.
This season he is more likely to be seen chasing back to close down an opponent and has scored just three times.
But he says the transformation has benefited both himself and the team.
“I know some supporters want to see me entertain and run at players and unfortunately that hasn’t been the case this season,” he said.
“But if the manager wants me to play in a certain role then I am happy to do it for the team.
“I have played not just as a more forward winger but as a wide midfielder and even as a wing-back. But I don’t mind where I play so long as it is working for the team and so long as we get the points.
“I think I am more selfless now. When the manager plays me out of position I just go with the flow and do my best and, to be fair, you can’t really complain because it is working.
“When you are in your rightful position it is nice too, of course, but you have to just do whatever you can for the team.”
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