Why Middlesbrough should definitely make a move for Chris Wood

Middlesbrough have made a strong start to their season under Tony Pulis as the club sit just two points behind table-toppers Norwich City. Tony Pulis’ side have been extremely resilient at the back this season, conceding just 8 goals in 17 games so far.

Thanks to Pulis’ defensive masterclass, Boro are a very hard team to breach at the moment. But there is something they do lack at the moment and that’s a certain cutting edge going forward. Middlesbrough have scored just 19 goals so far, which is the lowest by any team in the top seven this season.

On-loan striker Jordan Hugill picked up his first two goals for the club in the last game against Wigan Athletic. Britt Assombalonga has scored 5 goals in 16 appearances as well but they could do with another striker in the squad.

Hugill is on a season-long loan from West Ham United, which means Boro will be short of forwards when the campaign comes to an end. Tony Pulis definitely has to look at some options when the transfer window opens in January.

One man the manager can consider is Burnley striker Chis Wood. The New Zealand international has made 11 appearances for the Clarets this season, of which only 5 have been starts. Sean Dyche has tinkered with his frontline as Burnley have looked utterly poor this campaign.

After making a £15m move from Leeds United last year, Wood made a superb start to life at Turf Moor, averaging a better goals-to-games ratio than Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero last season.

He is a towering presence who possesses tons of pace and energy in the final third. Wood is also capable of playing on the flanks. The 26-year-old striker is also very strong in the air, which is exactly why he will thrive in Pulis’ 4-3-3 formation used this season.

The manager loves his team to play long balls and send crosses into the box. With players like Stewart Downing and Martin Braithwaite on the flanks, Wood will receive an ample number of opportunities in the final third. It doesn’t take him too many chances to convert in front of the goal, given that Wood is a clinical finisher.

Middlesbrough are in good form at the moment and should they make it to the Premier League, Boro are definitely going to need more firepower up front.