Wolves defender Ryan Giles has made an instant impression on loan at Middlesbrough, being named Man of the Match against West Bromwich Albion.
The 22-year-old is spending the 2022/23 season at the Riverside Stadium, where he is looking to build on a largely positive previous campaign.
Giles started the 2021/22 campaign with Cardiff City and really caught the eye.
But Wolves recalled him in January to provide some cover.
He didn’t get any first-team minutes, and was then loaned to Blackburn Rovers.
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He didn’t quite reach the same level at Ewood Park, and Wolves are now keen for Giles to thrive with Boro as he did with Cardiff.
And he’s made a very good start.
Against Albion Giles had 51 touches of the ball, completed 25/30 passes, and put in 14 crosses. He also created two chances (via Sky Sports).
He was described as ‘the pick of the bunch’ by the Northern Echo, who noted his ‘eyecatching runs and teasing deliveries into the box’.
Teeside Live gave him an 8.10 for his performance, which was the joint-highest rating with Jonny Howson.
Boro manager Chris Wilder said of Giles after the game (Northern Echo): “He was really good. I think we’ve talked at length about positions we needed to fill and one of those was making sure we weren’t as lopsided as last season with Isaiah. So Ryan gives us an outlet on the left.
“The goalkeeping department needed to be tightened up and I believe we’ve added real quality in that area. Obviously where things lie, there are still a couple of positions in midfield and up top as well that still need work. But Ryan was excellent.”
A brilliant start for Ryan Giles at Middlesbrough as wing-back is named Man of the Match
Giles had already caught the eye in pre-season for Boro.
And now he has been named Man of the Match in his first Championship game for the club.
It’s a great start for the youngster, who will be looking for a strong season all the way through in 2022/23.
It is thought that Lage is a big fan of Giles. Some were a little surprised to see him sent out again, but perhaps the club are hoping for him to get one more full season at one club under his belt.