Milos Veljkovic - Middlesborough
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spurs9
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- Aug 31, 2012
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When does his loan end? I thought it was mid Jan but could be wrong. I don't think we can recall him before it ends either.
The management team were really happy with his performance on Saturday, and a bit surprised by it too.
Him coming on as a substitute, and playing central midfield particularly was actually an acknowledgement of the hard work he has put in since he has arrived at the club. I can see a lot of comments above saying he should be with our squad etc, but we must remember this is actually the first amount of playing time he had whilst at Boro. He came on central midfield and at 4-0 for a reason. If this was a tighter game, he wouldn't have come on.
He was originally brought in as a centre back, and they really did see him as a genuine starter but Boro's start, especially defensively (best record in the League) has left him with very few chances to establish himself.
Karanka, who is very good friends with Poch apparently (did coaching badges together), knew that Milos could play central midfield but I don't think he ever really viewed it as a serious option - hence Dean Whitehead playing ahead of him at times...
So Saturday was more of a reward for the effort he has put in, and the general good attitude he has shown. It must be noted that when Middlesbrough have made changes to their defence, its Milos who has retained his place on the bench as opposed to the player coming out of the team. That again, and I have heard Karanka say this, is a reflection of Milos' attitude etc. I think Karanka has said something like Milos "is better suited/prepared for this role"
Speaking to one of the coaches last night, Milos is a lot closer to the first team picture now after this run out - but seemingly more likely central midfield (now perhaps 3rd in line) than central defence (4th choice). It doesn't look like he will be starting on Saturday though at home to Derby, but he is close. Middlesbrough are potentially playing three in midfield, but it looks like Tomlin will occupy that third position and play that number 10 role.
As I say, despite Milos being just as good as any of the Middlesbrough centre backs in my opinion I just can't see him playing centre back any time soon. Ohorugo and Ayala seem the preferred choice, with the Chairman's nephew third in line.
Leadbitter (who's having a fantastic season) and Clayton when available are the preferred central midfielders, and they are doing well to be fair so it's going to be fdifficult to get in the team.
But Karanka does rotate his squad a lot, and hopefully Milos benefits from this over the Xmas period.
Also, despite Milos enjoying his time at the Club he is wanting more football. I think he himself has acknowledged by staying at Spurs he would have probably got some minutes under his belt. Boro want to extend the deal, but Milos will only do so if he plays a lot more over the next month.
This last bit is purely hearsay (from the Boro coach), but Milos has been told he could return to Spurs and be 4th choice centre back so that would suggest to me that either Chiriches or Kaboul are definitely leaving in January - perhaps even both? That's what Milos has told the Club, and given Karanka's friendship with Poch it wouldn't make sense for him to lie.
Him coming on as a substitute, and playing central midfield particularly was actually an acknowledgement of the hard work he has put in since he has arrived at the club. I can see a lot of comments above saying he should be with our squad etc, but we must remember this is actually the first amount of playing time he had whilst at Boro. He came on central midfield and at 4-0 for a reason. If this was a tighter game, he wouldn't have come on.
He was originally brought in as a centre back, and they really did see him as a genuine starter but Boro's start, especially defensively (best record in the League) has left him with very few chances to establish himself.
Karanka, who is very good friends with Poch apparently (did coaching badges together), knew that Milos could play central midfield but I don't think he ever really viewed it as a serious option - hence Dean Whitehead playing ahead of him at times...
So Saturday was more of a reward for the effort he has put in, and the general good attitude he has shown. It must be noted that when Middlesbrough have made changes to their defence, its Milos who has retained his place on the bench as opposed to the player coming out of the team. That again, and I have heard Karanka say this, is a reflection of Milos' attitude etc. I think Karanka has said something like Milos "is better suited/prepared for this role"
Speaking to one of the coaches last night, Milos is a lot closer to the first team picture now after this run out - but seemingly more likely central midfield (now perhaps 3rd in line) than central defence (4th choice). It doesn't look like he will be starting on Saturday though at home to Derby, but he is close. Middlesbrough are potentially playing three in midfield, but it looks like Tomlin will occupy that third position and play that number 10 role.
As I say, despite Milos being just as good as any of the Middlesbrough centre backs in my opinion I just can't see him playing centre back any time soon. Ohorugo and Ayala seem the preferred choice, with the Chairman's nephew third in line.
Leadbitter (who's having a fantastic season) and Clayton when available are the preferred central midfielders, and they are doing well to be fair so it's going to be fdifficult to get in the team.
But Karanka does rotate his squad a lot, and hopefully Milos benefits from this over the Xmas period.
Also, despite Milos enjoying his time at the Club he is wanting more football. I think he himself has acknowledged by staying at Spurs he would have probably got some minutes under his belt. Boro want to extend the deal, but Milos will only do so if he plays a lot more over the next month.
This last bit is purely hearsay (from the Boro coach), but Milos has been told he could return to Spurs and be 4th choice centre back so that would suggest to me that either Chiriches or Kaboul are definitely leaving in January - perhaps even both? That's what Milos has told the Club, and given Karanka's friendship with Poch it wouldn't make sense for him to lie.
yido_number1
He'll always be magic
- Jun 8, 2004
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Great information and nice to hear more about a youth product. How do you get your information on him, do you have connections at Borough or just well read?
Spursidol
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- Sep 15, 2007
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Thanks for the update - very informative and welcome to hear something from the Boro side.
Just picking up on the last para, as you know we currently have Vertonghen, Fazio, Dier, Kaboul, Chirches (5 CB's),, so if Milos is being told he could become no 4, I cannot see the first 3 being sold so either both Kaboul and Chirches are being sold or one is sold and the other is dropped to becoming 5th choice.
I like the idea in principle, but I could see Poch being a bit nervous about having Vertonghen, Fazio and 2 (IMO very good) inexperienced CB's in Dier and Veljkovic. Just have to see how things pan out though.
There is a similar situation with CM's (where Veljkovic also plays) where I can see Capoue possibly leaving (ITK being that he was dropped) as well as Dembele (seemingly slow through injury as well as not having the passing/defensive qualities that Poch wants in a CM) leaving Mason, Bentaleb and Stambouli - with Veljkovic as a possible 4th choice. Again watch this space.
But in both cases, we ideally need to get Milos to have a few more appearances at Boro to give him the experience to help him step up to a Spurs first team role
EQP
EQP
- Sep 1, 2013
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Sounds good all around. If he can get time as DM i am all for it. I remember watching him in a u21 game and noting that he had a great range of pass on him ( even chipped in with an assist if memory serves correct) . If we consider that we might (sell Vlad/Kaboul) and have Vert/Fazio/ Dier/Moreno or Dijk (depending on what you read) i would like to see him groomed for a DLP/DM position in the future.
Spursidol
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Agree with this - of course there is also the possibility of Dominic Ball (CB) and Harry Winks (CM) to also back up Milos Veljkovic to add extra depth, although maybe in reality to come off the bench to rest first team players.
Bus-Conductor
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bceej
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Got Pritchard coming in too. Going to be spoilt for choice in the fairly near future in the middle of the park.
I do some scouting for them (nothing major) and report directly to Ron Bone at the training ground. He and a few others know I am an avid Spurs fan so they always try and give me a bit of a Ryan/Milos update. You quite often bump into other players/coaches and they will literally tell you anything if you approach them in the right manner! Although I have been doing the scouting for the best part of eleven years now - it is a great community club I have to say.
yido_number1
He'll always be magic
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Must be a fun job, there was a time when borough had a few good young players coming through. Hopefully we keep sending players up for loans and you can keep getting the inside track.
archiewasking
Waiting for silverware..........
- Jul 5, 2004
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I understand the concern about playing inexperienced players, but then, it's the old situation of how do they get it? Sooner or later you have to trust your judgement and give them the chance. Yes, you'd be foolish to start them away at Arsenal, City, Chelsea and risk shattering their confidence. But they need not just self belief, but the manager to show belief in them. And very often, experienced players are only still there because there are either no better options, not because they are actually good, or because of their previous reputation. This season is going nowhere fast, so imo, this is the time to take courage and give our youngsters the nod.
IGSpur
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Na watched the match willing Boro to score so he'd get on. 2 nil up and Derby 10 ten done and didn't get played. Boro look a very good side though
Spursidol
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http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/11676623._/
A bit on Milos - but Boro getting a couple of injured players back in AM and CB positions, so I'd expect Milos back at Spurs shortly
Karanka (Boro manager) on Veljkovic and Jamal Blackma ( another loanee
- "I am very pleased with both of them. They are both good lads and very good professionals...".
A bit on Milos - but Boro getting a couple of injured players back in AM and CB positions, so I'd expect Milos back at Spurs shortly
Karanka (Boro manager) on Veljkovic and Jamal Blackma ( another loanee
- "I am very pleased with both of them. They are both good lads and very good professionals...".
spurs9
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I would be very happy with Veljkovic being 5th choice CM & 5th choice CB.
Spursidol
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So would I.
Great as a rotation option (and we are still in 4 competitions so 60+ games is possible - and as no player can play that number rotation will be important) and I'm sure he will not let us down. And next season, will be a full time squad alternative - he really is that good at both CB and CM
spurs9
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Personally, I think he would need to be 5th choice (for both Positions) for the next season or 2 before he steps up.
I feel we need another CM to be first choice (Schneiderlin?) with Bentaleb & Mason fighting it out to play along side him and Stambouli a 4th choice rotation option and Capoue, Dembele and Paulinho moving on. In a couple of years, he could step up in place of one of them (probably Stambouli), he would still only be 21 and Onomah or Winks could become 5th choice (the would 19 or 20).
In defense, we need to sign someone that can push Verts and Fazio for a first team place (Moreno?), sell Kaboul and Chiriches and have Dier as 4th choice.
