Jonny Howson has tipped Middlesbrough teammate Rav van den Berg for the very top amid reported interest from Manchester City and Crystal Palace.
It was reported in November by Boro News that Man City have enquired about the Dutchman’s potential availability.
Crystal Palace have also been mentioned as a possible next destination, if he were to leave the Riverside anytime soon.
Van den Berg joined Michael Carrick’s side in the summer of 2023, and has gone on to become a key part of the Middlesbrough squad in that time, making 42 league appearances.
Rav van den Berg - Middlesbrough league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)
Season
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2023-24
2024-25
As of December 10th
Howson makes Van den Berg claim
rav-van-den-berg
While picking the best players Howson has been teammates with in his career, the midfielder identified Van den Berg as one of two defenders.
He has predicted that the 20-year-old will make it to the very top of the game, claiming that he has the potential to go on to great things.
“Going off last season, what he could go on to be,” said Howson, via the Fantasy EFL account on Twitter.
“I think he can be anything he wants to be, and go to the highest.”
Van den Berg has featured eight times for the Teesside outfit this campaign, with the team competing for promotion to the Premier League.
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Farke believes his side will face a very difficult challenge this evening, against a Boro side who have shone real class at times this term.
Carrick will be hoping that Van den Berg can maintain his positive form when he returns to the side from a twisted knee injury.
The Dutchman has not been in the side since the end of October, playing the full 90 minutes in their 3-3 draw with Norwich City.
Since then, Middlesbrough have risen to fifth in the Championship table, winning four of the seven games they’ve played.
Boro take on second place Leeds United next, with the sides meeting at Elland Road on Tuesday evening in an 8pm kick-off.
Michael Carrick
Middlesbrough will be awaiting Rav van den Berg’s injury return
Van den Berg has proven to be a really strong signing since arriving from PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2023, becoming a key part of Carrick’s team.
His return from injury will be very welcome within the club, particularly given the side’s uptick in form in recent weeks.
Interest from Man City does speak to his potential, but Boro will be hoping that no January approach is made by any Premier League club.
It’s clear that the top flight could well be in his future, but this season provides Middlesbrough with the chance to provide him a route there through the Riverside if they can keep up this current form.