Kiril Despodov could be the man to get the goals flowing at Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have been linked with a move for CSKA Sofia winger Kiril Despodov, as reported by English publication Birmingham Live.
Middlesbrough currently find themselves in an all too familiar situation, placed 5th place on the table, with a host of teams all performing better than them. While they were expected to make the top 6, Boro fans would have probably been hoping that this would be the year for them to move back up to where they belong – the Premier League.
With 27 games already behind us, Boro have got 12 wins and 10 draws, which throws light on the important factor – they’ve only lost 5 times all competition. To put that into perspective, league leaders Leeds United have also lost only 5 games but they’ve won 16, which is the reason they’re currently set for automatic promotion.
Middlesbrough’s defence has been exceptional all campaign, with them boasting the best record in the league. Having conceded just 19 goals all season, one would expect them to be flying high but their relatively low position is because of one concern.
Their goals tally this season has been extremely poor. They’ve scored just 30 goals in 27 games. At 1.1 goals per game, all the teams above 17th place have now scored more goals this campaign than 5th-placed Boro. Britt Assombalonga and Jordan Hugill have stepped up to the plate and delivered but they don’t create enough goalscoring situations.
Adding a different kind of striker to their ranks will be a very good idea and according to the report, Boro want 22-year-old Bulgarian forward Kiril Despodov from CSKA Sofia. He is a right-winger by trade who can also play as a central striker or as a second striker.
He has an amazing goalscoring record this season which has seen him notch up 8 goals and 7 assists in 16 league games. He is a leggy winger who covers big distances quickly with his massive stride.
While being fast and mobile, he has the sharpness of mind to turn defenders who are behind him and also has the composure to dribble past the opposition.
While he is a threat with his passes from outside the box, he really comes into life when given an opportunity to score as he possesses an excellent ability to finish.
His contribution to the build-up play is just as prominent as his goal-scoring feat and this could be the perfect player to come in and make a difference for Middlesbrough. There is a massive amount of talent in their squad, which means that with a little push, the title is still within their reach and in this situation, Despodov may just be the push they need.