Friday, October 19, 2018

Since starting the season in scintillating form, Boro have hit the skids in recent weeks with only two wins in the league since the 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on the 24th of August.
This poor run of results has coincided with a change from the 3-5-2 formation used at the start of the season to several four at the back formations. Therefore, it’s worth asking whether a change in formation is appropriate and which formation should be chosen.
Ahead of the return to league football later today, we asked three of our writers to share their thoughts on how Boro should line up against Sheffield Wednesday.
Daniel Ragusa
(4-2-3-1): Randolph; Shotton, Flint, Ayala, Friend; Clayton, Howson; Braithwaite, Wing, Downing; Assombalonga.
Let’s go back to basics. 4-2-3-1 was a formation that gave us great success in the Championship during Aitor Karanka’s reign. It blends a solid defence with a fluid attack, both of which are crucial for promotion.
The back four are straightforward picks as they all offer height and experience as Tony Pulis likes. It’s harsh to leave out Dael Fry but I think that Ayala and Flint are just ahead of him at the moment.
Clayton can sit in his usual defensive midfield role and dictate play whilst Howson can be the box-to-box midfielder he’s been all season. Braithwaite has played right midfield for the Danish national team and he even had a string of impressive games at the World Cup in that position. It lets him exploit his pace and he can be a more direct threat.
On the other flank we should let Downing play to his strengths. His link up play with Friend is great, and his left foot is still capable of whipping in the perfect ball. Lewis Wing could be a surprise and opponents may not know what to expect from him. He’s raw, so giving him a free role may get the best out of him. He’s proven he can pick out a crucial through ball for his attacking team mates plenty of times, too.
Up front, it’s Assombalonga. He offers goals and his record speaks for itself. With the three behind him all interchanging and creating chances in and around the box, Britt is bound to hit the net more often than not in this system.
Michael Richardson
(4-3-3): Randolph; Shotton, Flint, Ayala, McQueen; Clayton, Wing, Howson; Downing, Braithwaite, Assombalonga.
I think this team offers the ultimate balance in terms of both attack and defence. Randolph is the obvious choice in net and Shotton is in by default as our only real right-back option. McQueen would come in for Friend, who’s performances have been below par recently. Our two best centre-backs in Ayala and Flint finish off the back four.
The midfield is where it gets interesting. Boro have seven or eight different centre-midfield options who you could argue should be playing right now. Summer signings George Saville and Muhamed Bešić have been mainstays in the team since their arrival, but I believe a three of Adam Clayton, Lewis Wing and Jonny Howson is by far our best midfield triumvirate – and the stats show this too.
Middlesbrough have won all 3 games in which the trio have started together so far this season, scoring 6 goals and conceding 0. Wing and Howson are by far our most creative central players, and Adam Clayton provides cover as a sweeper in front of Flint and Ayala.
For me the front three really does pick itself. Downing was excellent in Boro’s last away game at Ipswich, and we’ve missed a certain spark up front ever since Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga were demoted to the bench.
This team will give Middlesbrough the best chance to take points from Sheffield Wednesday, who are unbeaten in their last 4 games, as pressure begins to mount on Tony Pulis’ team.
Chris Cassidy
Judging the best formation on the performances so far this campaign certainly indicates that the 3-5-2 that was utilised early on is the best way forward for Boro. Before the first international break of the season, optimism was through the roof and it seemed that despite Boro’s lack of activity in the transfer market, they had found an effective system which delivered results.
Fourteen from a possible eighteen points at the start of the season certainly showed what the three at the back formation had to offer.
The 3-5-2 also gave academy graduates Lewis Wing and Dael Fry the chance to flourish, and that they did. In fact, it’s fair to say since reverting back to a flat back four, results and performances have suffered and for this reason, I think that a return to the 3-5-2 is the best option going forward.
In regards to personnel, the main two have already had a mention. Both Lewis Wing and Dael Fry were instrumental in the positive opening to the season and it seems crazy that neither even made the bench in the last game before the most recent break. Admittedly, Fry’s disappearance from the starting XI is a direct consequence of the change in formation.
However, Lewis Wing - who has already notched three league assists - has lost his place to George Saville, a player yet to prove his sizeable, price to be tag. Therefore, if I were to be standing in Tony Pulis’ crisp white trainers, my eleven would go as follows:
(3-5-2): Randolph; Ayala, Flint, Fry; Shotton, Howson, Clayton, Wing, Downing; Braithwaite, Assombalonga.
So what do you think? Should Boro keep faith with four at the back, return to a 3-5-2 or opt for a different formation. Let us know via our Twitter (@boropolis), and thanks for reading.

Our Writers' Solutions to Boro's Formation Conundrum

Monday, October 15, 2018

By Daniel Ragusa
Once branded as ‘the non-league Messi’ after netting 37 goals in a single season for Northern League outfit Shildon AFC, Lewis Wing has been on quite the journey in his career so far.
The hefty nametag was placed after a video of Wing scoring an outstanding solo goal in 2016 went viral - Soccer AM and other social media outlets shared the goal online.
Ex-Middlesbrough scout Ron Bone picked up on the midfielder’s impressive performances and goal-scoring exploits and decided to make an offer for the then 22-year old. On the 28th June 2017 Lewis Wing signed for Boro, despite apparent interest from a handful of other established clubs.
It’s unusual for a player to jump straight from non-league to the top of the Championship, so plenty of Boro fans were unsure about what to expect from the signing. He was placed in Craig Liddle’s Under 23’s squad to start off with, but would soon surpass what many people expected of him.
Finding His Feet
Despite finding himself in the Under-23s to begin with, Wing didn’t have to wait too long for his debut as Garry Monk brought him on as a late sub for Grant Leadbitter in Boro’s 3-0 League Cup victory over Scunthorpe on the 22nd August 2017. Wing then started in the next round of the Cup as Boro cruised to a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
However, the youngster didn’t make another appearance for the club and was loaned out to League Two outfit Yeovil Town in January. Wing made 22 appearances for The Glovers, scoring three goals and registering one assist in a relegation-threatened side which ended the season in 19th position.
Even though that may seem to be a fairly poor return, Wing was played in a deeper central midfield position than he had at Shildon in a league five tiers above where he had played before. Furthermore, he nailed down a regular first-team spot; something not all youngsters who go out on loan manage to do.
Staking His Claim
Having enjoyed a successful first season in professional football, Wing was one of just three academy players – the others being Harry Chapman and Marcus Tavernier – who joined up with the first-team for the infamously gruelling Pulis pre-season.
The now 23 year-old played a part in six of the eight friendlies Boro played and he made his intentions clear after smashing one in to the top corner against Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg.
Off the pitch, Boro were doing very little in the transfer window. Paddy McNair and Aden Flint were the only additions at that point and this presented an opportunity for Boro’s fringe players to make their mark and secure first-team experience.On the opening day of the season Boro found themselves 2-0 down to Millwall after 37 minutes. With those on the pitch struggling to create any real chances, Pulis turned to his youthful bench and brought on three subs at once: Wing, Tavernier and Ashley Fletcher.
After their introduction, Boro fought back to 2-2 with all three of the super-subs playing a big role in the comeback. As the next game approached, fans cried out for the likes of Wing, Tavernier and Chapman to be included once again.
Three days later, Wing made his first Championship start for Boro and after just 25 minutes, he’d helped his side to a 3-0 lead. Boro’s number 26 was having a day to remember.
Given the responsibility of taking Boro’s corners, Wing drilled, drifted and curled delightful ball after delightful ball all game - two of which resulted in Boro goals. After performing so well, Wing kept his place as Boro won their next two league games.
Out of Favour
Unfortunately, since his effervescent early-season form, Boro have signed Mo Besic and George Saville. These two players both play in the same position and same style as Wing and their signings have therefore limited his game time to such an extent that his only appearance since the 18th of August was in the League Cup victory over Preston North End.
Wing impressed once again as he and his teammates showed grit and determination to come from behind twice and progress on penalties. He registered another assist as he set up Ashley Fletcher’s goal with a defence splitting pass.
Since then Boro have played three times and Wing hasn’t even been in the matchday squad. He’s instead been relegated to the Under-23s for playing time. This decision has baffled many fans, especially considering he was given a new contract until 2022 on the 11th of October.
The Missing Piece
Boro sit in a healthy 4th position in the league at the moment, but have only scored 14 goals. There are only 8 teams in the league who’ve scored less.
Despite only making four appearances, Wing has assisted 14% of Boro’s goals so far this season, and leads the way for the number of assists with two. Only Jonny Howson has the same amount of assists as him, but he’s played 8 games more.
Wing’s main strengths are clear, his technique and vision are top-class. He has proved he has the ability to pick a pass anywhere on the pitch a countless number of times this season. His set-pieces are accurate and he seems the most suitable to take them in the whole squad, as proven against Sheffield United.
With the aerial threat Pulis’ side pose, it’s almost criminal that centre-back giants Ayala and Flint have only scored one goal apiece despite all of the corners and free-kicks Boro have taken so far.
Stewart Downing is normally Boro’s set-piece taker but he’s only registered one assist so far this season.
It’s not just on the dead ball situations where Wing comes in handy, he can also keep possession well and keep hold of the ball in tight situations. As we’ve seen in the past, he also has the ability to hit the target from outside the area.
It’s no surprise that with Boro’s lack of creativity this season, many Teessiders are calling for Lewis’ recall to the Starting XI or, at the very least, the bench.
Mo Besic has his obvious strengths, and Saville may be finding his feet, but what have either of those two done that merits a starting spot over Wing?
Should Boro keep the same midfield-trio shape after the international break, there will be five players fighting for that third midfield spot. Besic, Saville, McNair, Leadbitter and Wing will all want to claim that spot alongside the irreplaceable Howson and Clayton.
It'll be tough for him to regain a first-team place given the intense competition, but it'd be undoubtedly deserved if he managed to do so.
An Inspiration to Others
Nonetheless, Lewis’ drive and commitment is unquestionable. He’s a local lad who never gave up on his dream of making it as a professional footballer even though he was working in a warehouse less than two years ago.
When playing non-league football at the age of 22 the odds of turning pro aren’t exactly in your favour but Wing is a fine example of a player who never questioned his own abilities. The ‘non-league Messi’ title may have been brandished as a bit of a laugh, however there’s not many people who’d bet against him becoming the ‘next Jamie Vardy’.
The ex-England international and former Premier League winner went on a similar career path before making it to the very top and establishing himself on the world’s biggest stage. There’s no reason why Wing can’t do the same.
Of course he’s got to break back into Tony’s team first, but one thing’s for certain, he’s got the Boro faithful on his side.

Waiting in the Wings

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

By Michael Richardson
Boro’s second string side put in an assured performance against a competent and accomplished Preston outfit on Tuesday night to progress to the 4th round of the Carabao Cup.
It was a closely fought encounter in which Preston dominated for large parts of the game – an observation backed up by their superior possession (68%). However, despite their dominance in the final third, Preston actually struggled to create quality goal scoring opportunities.
They often opted to shoot from distance after finding Boro's 5 man defence, featuring 16 year-old Nathan Wood, hard to break down.
Alex Neil's side did however find themselves leading within 28 minutes when striker Callum Robinson, a constant threat all night, beat Dimi Konstantopoulos from close range.
This lead was only short lived however, as League Cup joint-top scorer Ashley Fletcher rounded Chris Maxwell to equalise after a lovely piece of play from Boro which featured a fantastic ball from local boy Lewis Wing.
Boro found their way back into the game from that point on, with Fletcher and Tavernier continuing to find space in the Preston box. Nevertheless, Preston found themselves back in the lead twenty minutes after the break, and deservedly so, with Tom Barkhuizen, their other stand-out player on the night, firing in a shot from long range.
Once again North End’s joy was only temporary however, as Marcus Tavernier curled in a fantastic shot just three minutes later after good hold up play from Rudy Gestede on his return to the first team.
Into penalties we went, and four well taken spot kicks from Boro, coupled with 2 awful ones from Preston, ensured that the Boro progressed to the next round.
But how did each individual Boro player fare? Who did enough to stake their claim for a regular place in the Starting XI?
Dimi Konstantopoulos: 7 - The Greek stopper put in a solid shift in what was his first appearance for Boro since the EFL Cup defeat to Bournemouth last season. He did very well to keep the score at 2-2 late in the second half and was unlucky for Preston's second goal.
Paddy McNair: 4 - Started off very poorly and looked uncomfortable in the right wing back role for the vast majority of the first-half, and was regularly beaten by Tom Barkhuizen on Preston's left flank. Boro's summer signing would probably be more suited to a midfield role based on this display.
Nathan Wood: 5 - A slow but steady performance from Wood on his second start for his local team. He made some good tackles and looked an aerial threat but was unable to deal with the pace of Robinson and Barker; two players with far more experience than him at this level.
Danny Batth: 7 - The Wolves loanee was constantly superior in the air and made a vital block when Boro were 1-0 down in the first-half. He certainly looks to be a defender of a similar mould to Aden Flint.
Dael Fry: 6 - A quiet game from Fry, who, like Wood, struggled with Preston's pace at times. However, his dominance in the air ensured that Boro saw the game out to penalties as Preston pushed forward late on.
Sam McQueen: 7 - The flying left-back certainly looks a better option than George Friend in a wing-back system, putting in numerous good balls and regularly beating his man. Was unlucky not to score when temporarily moved over to the right flank in the second half.
Grant Leadbitter: 7 - Boro's skipper led by example in the middle of the park, frequently winning tackles and spraying balls to the flanks. Will act as ample back-up for Adam Clayton in the anchor role this season.
Lewis Wing: 7 - Wing is unquestionably getting better by the game, and last night was another example of the alternate dynamic he can add to the team. His technique was on point as he exhibited his wide range of passing.
Marcus Tavernier: 8 - Undoubtedly his best game in a Boro shirt to date, Tavernier flourished in his new-found central midfield role, often skipping past opposition players and commanding play. His superbly taken goal was merely the cherry on top of a marvellous display.
Ashley Fletcher: 6 - Made goods runs in behind the defence and showed great movement for his goal in the first half. Seemed to fizzle out of the game late on when moved to right wing, but he certainly made his claim to be in Boro's squad for the next league match.
Rudy Gestede: 4 - Struggled to win headers and supply his strike partner Fletcher, and hit the crossbar from an open goal header with the score at 1-1. Often looked well of the pace, perhaps due to his return from injury. Did well to hold up the ball for Tavernier's goal, though.
Harry Chapman (Sub 71'): 5 - Looked a threat at times with his direct running, but displayed poor decision making when it came to knowing whether to pass or shoot.
In summary it was a decent performance from Middlesbrough's fringe players, who looked solid in defence and midfield but still lacked something up top - a common theme for Boro this season. McQueen, Wing and Tavernier were the standouts as Tony Pulis' selection headache escalates - especially for the latter who has been unlucky to find himself out of the squad of late.
Loanee McQueen would be unlucky not to keep his place in the Starting XI ahead of George Friend for Saturday's game at Hull, whilst Wing will be hoping to claim one of the midfield spots. Boro will be hoping for a good draw in the next round, as the young lads and squad players strive for a chance to cement their place in the team ahead of a busy Christmas schedule during which strength in depth is pivotal to good form.

Boro vs. Preston: Player Ratings and Next Steps for those who Impressed

Sunday, September 23, 2018

By Daniel Ragusa
Since arriving on Teesside in the summer of 2014, Adam Clayton has gone on to establish himself as one of Boro’s most important players.
During his four seasons at the club Clayton has played his part in Wembley heartbreak, cup giant-killings, a dramatic final day promotion, a disappointing relegation and an underwhelming play-off campaign.
To say that he’s has had his fair share of ups and downs would be an understatement.
When Aitor Karanka signed Clayton from Huddersfield Town, he was immediately thrown into the heart of Boro’s midfield alongside established captain Grant Leadbitter.
The duo formed a brick-wall of a partnership that became the beating heart of Boro’s 4-2-3-1 and complimented an already impressive back line. Clayton tended to sit back, whilst Leadbitter pushed forward and supported the attack.
The then 25-year-old quickly won the fans’ favour and impressed with his ability to break up opposition play, receive and distribute the ball and his willingness to put his body on the line with his infamous tactical fouls.
Clayton, along with the whole of Teesside, enjoyed a fine season with great memories such as playing and beating his former side Manchester City in the FA Cup.
However, despite their unheralded success, Boro would end the season disappointingly in a 2-0 Play-Off Final defeat to Norwich City.
A year later, Boro had bounced back and won promotion to the Premier League. The 2015/16 season was one in which Clayton built on his strong relationship with Leadbitter as well as his brilliant form of the previous season.
As the Premier League approached, fans wondered how he would adapt to life in England’s top flight, especially considering that Marten De Roon’s arrival had placed question marks over whether he’d maintain his regular first-team slot.
In the opening day draw with Stoke City, Clayton started alongside De Roon in a 4-2-3-1. As the season went on, Boro typically started with three central midfielders – usually Clayton, De Roon and Forshaw.
This more defensive shape meant that Clayton usually deep, allowing Forshaw and De Roon to push forward.
He impressed in this role and Boro on the whole were fairly good defensively during their spell in England’s top flight; it was the lack of goals scored which ultimately saw Boro relegated come May.
The man who signed Clayton, Aitor Karanka, was sacked towards the end of the 16/17 season and when Boro returned to the Championship, Garry Monk took charge.
When the new boss arrived he already had the backbone of a side which only 13 months ago had gained promotion.
Unsurprisingly, Clayton was one of those players, even while Monk juggled his selections in the search for a winning formula, who was a go-to man in the middle of the park, starting the first 12 league games and playing the full 90 minutes in 10 of them.
However, new summer recruit Jonny Howson was preferred alongside Leadbitter when Monk switched to a 4-2-3-1 in mid-October.
The interesting point was that Adam was getting left out of the squad entirely, a very unfamiliar position to find himself in and interestingly, seemingly as a consequence, Boro seemed to be leaking more goals than usual.
As January loomed, rumours were flying about Clayton’s impending departure and as expected, almost every club in the Championship were swooping in to try and capture the experienced midfielder’s signature.
However, on the pitch, expectations weren’t being met and Garry Monk’s chapter at the club came to a stubborn end on the 23rd December.
Just three days later, Tony Pulis was appointed and two games later Clayton was restored to the bench. Over the next few games he became a player who was brought on towards the end of matches in order to nullify any last-gasp action.
He may not have started a game until the 6th of March but he was still a crucial player to have around the squad, as Pulis often stated in press conferences.
Clayton started more and more games towards the end of the season as Boro headed for the play-offs in impressive form. A solid defence was what drove Boro towards their 5th place finish, and Boro’s number 8 played a huge part in that achievement.
Unfortunately, the play-offs didn’t go to plan but nevertheless, there was hope that Boro could build on the foundations built in the 2017/18 season went on and mount a promotion campaign next time round.
Throughout the summer just gone, Clayton was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest that would have seen him reunite with his former manager, Aitor Karanka. However, those rumours never materialised into a permanent move.
Since the season began on the 4th of August, Clayton has played every single league game in the new five at the back system.
As part of this, he sits in his usual defensive midfield role in which he picks up the scraps, breaks up opposition play and wins the ball back.
As the wing-backs push on, he sits back and helps cover the back three behind him, offering his support in the press as well as springing counter attacks for Boro.
He drifts across the pitch in a sidewards crab-like motion and picks up late attacking runs from opposing players. In doing so he takes pressure off his teammates and allows the rest of the midfield to focus on attacking as they know they have Clayts covering their backs.
He will be fully aware that he’s not the quickest of players, so his positional awareness has been essential in mastering the defensive midfield role.
His most impressive performance this season came against Leeds; he earned the Sky Sports Man of the Match award as his side drew 0-0 in an industrious performance which perfectly suited the man at the heart of Boro’s midfield. He stopped everything that came his way, a difficult feat when playing against free-scoring Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa.
As well as his defensive strength, his ability to keep possession in tight spaces and to play long balls up to the likes of Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite has been crucial for Pulis’ side going forwards.
He’s got a queue of proven defensive midfielders behind him with the likes of Leadbitter, McNair, and Besic all being able to fulfil that role with ease.
However in my opinion, not one of those players would play it anywhere near to the high standards that Clayton has set.
For years, complaints have been made by many Boro fans.
“He’s too negative.”
“He only passes sideways and backwards.”
“He’s too slow.”
“We’d be more of an attacking threat without him.”
If he wanted to, Adam could reply with all of the stats that have surrounded his industrious time with Boro.
The clean sheets, the tackles, his ball retention, never being sent off, the ground covered, his MOTM awards, his POTS awards, even his TOTS card on FIFA.
The minority of Boro fans who still want him out of the starting XI would only realise how crucial he is to the side once he’s gone.
His consistent excellence should be more appreciated.
The records are clear: when Clayton plays for Middlesbrough, we’re defensively rock solid.
It’s crazy to think that he’s already played 158 league games for us, and you wouldn’t rule him out of playing 158 more. He has all of the leadership capabilities and could easily carry the weight of the captain’s armband.
It’s no coincidence that Boro have only conceded three goals since the season began, helping them towards a current second place position.
He’s the key to solidarity in the side and you can already tell he’s going to be one of the most significant players in a season that will hopefully end with Boro returning to the Premier League.
A car can’t run without an engine. Clayton is Boro’s engine.

Adam Clayton: The Key to Success

Thursday, September 20, 2018

By Tim Sigsworth
In last night’s game against Bolton Wanderers, George Saville made his full Boro debut. His performance was impressive, especially when you consider that he only met his new teammates for the first time 10 days ago because of the international break.
He seamlessly fitted into his role as one of the two advanced central midfielders used by Pulis and grabbed the opening goal of the game, too. Certain aspects of his play help to explain why Pulis saw fit to spend £7m on him, and this is what I’ll now try to explain.
When his transfer was announced, many Boro fans – myself included – wondered why the club had decided to spend such a large sum of money to strengthen a midfield that already featured the likes of Adam Clayton, Jonny Howson, Mo Besic, Paddy McNair and the in-form Lewis Wing.
Question marks remain over why Lewis Wing hasn’t been given the chance to build on his strong early season performances, but Saville has shown why he was brought in nonetheless.
Firstly, he’s technically able. Having come through the Chelsea youth ranks, his ability to pick a pass and read the game is undoubted and as a result he has the skill to get the ball moving and push Boro further up the pitch as Pulis likes his advanced midfielders to do.
Throughout yesterday evening’s match he spread the play, passed to feet and buzzed around in the hope of receiving and then distributing the ball to his more attack-minded teammates. He also dropped into a false full-back position at times where he would take possession of the ball in George Friend or Ryan Shotton’s position. This allowed the full-backs to push up the pitch and provide width to the team’s attacking play and therefore stretch Bolton’s compact five-man defence.
His calmness on the ball is astounding too. He seems incredibly relaxed, almost lazy, when the ball is at his feet, although this is partly due to his posture. This can be seen as a benefit though, because every so often an opposition player is going to underestimate his spacial awareness. By drawing opponents towards him, space that can be exploited is created.
On several occasions during the game he also made runs into the box. After just failing to get onto a deep Jordan Hugill header in the 18th minute, he opened his account for the Boro 16 minutes later as he finished with confidence after Jordan Hugill’s pressure on Mark Beevers set the ball loose.
But why shouldn’t he be confident? Despite his slender stature, he riggled out of situations with and held off physical pressure from players much taller and bulkier on multiple occasions throughout. There’s no need to be nervous about who’s around you when you have the ability to get out of tight situations.
Saville also has plenty of experience. He’s played 44 games for Brentford, 57 for Wolves and 67 for Millwall. He knows what this level of football is all about and is used to playing three games a week from September to May, something that cannot be said for Lewis Wing.
After all, Wing was playing part-time football in the Northern League as recently as 2017. There’s no certainty that he could sustain his early-season performance levels over the entirety of a 50+ game season. Saville on the other hand, proved his capability at this level last season as the 44 games he played in the Championship for Millwall helped the Lions to an unlikely 8th place finish.
He’s also played seven games for Northern Ireland, and so knows all about playing on the biggest stage despite being 25 years old. If you consider that Adam Clayton is 29, Jonny Howson is 30 and Grant Leadbitter is 32, then the youthful dynamism he provides is a real benefit to Boro’s strength in depth.
The centre of Boro’s midfield is now heavily packed with Championship-quality players. This competition could prove to be of great benefit because it can keep everyone on their toes and performing as well as they can to keep their place in the team. However, it’s important that Pulis establishes a favoured combination and doesn’t mix and match too often otherwise the over-saturation of Garry Monk’s midfield could yet return.
Time will tell whether George Saville can build on his strong full debut and become a first-team fixture for the Boro, but here’s to hoping that he can help to minimise complacency within the squad through strong performances.

George Saville: A Different Dynamic