Last night saw Boro turn on the style in Rotterdam and massively boost their confidence going into the new season.
With a line-up that should closely match the starting XI next Saturday, Boro went for a 4-4-2 and got the win despite going a goal down early.
Arnold Slot put the Dutch side ahead after just 2 minutes, scoring with a neat finish. However, Afonso Alves scored on the 5 minute mark to bring the scores level after a great ball from Didier Digard put him through to send the keeper the wrong way.
Boro were then 3-1 up within the space of 5 minutes, Tuncay beating a couple of defenders before putting Aliadiere through to put the ball in the bac of the net. Stewart Downing, the captain for the first time, then pulled the ball back from the wing for Josh Walker to slot the ball past the keeper with great accuracy.
Then came the the 2nd best goal of the night, Aliadiere showed typical willingness to work and won possession of the defender and play it onto Afonso Alves. Alves then took the ball into his stride and chipped the keeper with brilliant technique and accuracy.
Downing put Boro 5-1 ahead going into the break, scoring easily after the Dutch outfit's defence once again went missing.
As i mentioned earlier, Alves scored an absolute beauty, but it was nothing compared to goal number 6. Academy graduate Rhys Williams, playing at right back for the night, beat 2 defenders before smahing in a 25 yard shot. The lad has showed great potential over the pre-season and has made great strides since he joined the academy - a name to watch out for in the future.
Overall a very comfortable win for the Boro and in truth we could have had alot more. Always on the attack and the team seems to be gelling well with the new signings, academy graduates and experienced players all understanding each others games.