Middlesbrough Opinion: Why Boro should take a punt on Enzo Crivelli?

According to a report from French publication L’Equipe, Championship duo Middlesbrough and Cardiff City are interested in signing SM Caen attacker Enzo Crivelli (h/t France Football).

The former France Under-21 international netted just six times in 35 Ligue 1 games but he couldn’t save SM Caen from getting relegated. He is under contract until 2021 but following relegation, Caen would like to sell him this summer, the report adds.

With that in mind, Middlesbrough must do everything possible to beat Cardiff City to the signing of Enzo Crivelli.

Middlesbrough had a disappointing 2018/19 campaign under Tony Pulis as they missed out on promotion. They managed only 49 goals in 46 games, which apparently cost them a place in the playoffs.

With Pulis replaced by Jonathan Woodgate, Boro will be gearing up for another promotion push in the upcoming campaign.

The 39-year-old tactician will want to make improvements to his squad to ensure they can go one step further in his first season in senior management.

Boro were the fourth-lowest scorers in the Championship last season and Woodgate desperately needs a couple of flair players to refresh his attack.

The likes of Britt Assombalonga, Rudy Gestede and Martin Brathwaite need competition and support next season and Woodgate would do a good job if he manages to sign Enzo Crivelli from Caen.

Crivelli is a physical forward who could provide a much-needed focal point to Boro’s attack. The Teessiders could do with someone of his calibre in their squad.

Woodgate generally plays a system with one striker but if he plans to use two up front, Crivelli can play as the main striker with the pacey and agile Assombalonga supporting him.

Crivelli’s aerial ability and sharpness in the box would help Boro add an extra dimension to their forward line. The 24-year-old’s goalscoring record is poor and raises some question, so he would certainly be a gamble for Woodgate’s side.

Verdict

Crivelli is only 24 and has a lot of room for improvement. He is a handful for the defenders and could become prolific provided he gets the right amount of service in the box.

Read more Middlesbrough news, click here – Middlesbrough latest news

With Woodgate having some exciting players in Assombalonga, Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Wing, who could potentially get the best out of Crivelli, he should take a punt on the Frenchman.