Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien joined Championship side Middlesbrough late on in the summer transfer window in order to get more game time.
However, he would never have predicted that he would be utilised as a left-back, rather than his natural central midfield role.
Last night was his second outing on the left-hand side of the back four, with the Forest loanee impressing during the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City.
After progressing into the last 16, the local media delivered their verdict on the 24-year-old’s performance.
Lewis O’Brien impresses playing at left-back
Teesside Live rated the Forest loanee 8/10 last night and claimed: “Another impressive display from the midfielder filling in at left-back. Much like Giles last season, he spent the majority of the game in Bradford’s half and was influential in many bright Boro attacks.”
After two successful outings at left-back, O’Brien looks to be slowly adapting to the role which Boro boss Michael Carrick wants the 24-year-old to play.
However, it’s strange that he’s not having the opportunity to play in his natural position, where he thrived for Huddersfield Town which resulted in the Reds forking out nearly £10 million.
After a turbulent 12 months at the City Ground for O’Brien, he will be glad to just be playing consistently in England after his loan spell at DC United in the MLS last season.
It will be interesting to see how the 24-year-old progresses at the Riverside Stadium, whether that be as a left-back or as a central midfielder.
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