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How Middlesbrough pulled off a ‘steal’ in signing Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest
EFL pundit Sam Parkin believes Middlesbrough have pulled off a “real steal” by signing Lewis O’Brien. The midfielder joined Boro on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest a day before the transfer window closed last week.
O’Brien, a key man in Huddersfield Town’s run to the Championship play-off final in 2022, was plunged straight into action. The 24-year-old featured as a second half substitute in Saturday’s frustrating home defeat to Queens Park Rangers.
[ Speaking on the What the EFL?! podcast, Parkin said: “I think it is a really good signing and it is in a position that they were short. I think that has been evident in the opening few games.
“They have got different profiles of midfielders. Some really good players in there.
“Obviously, there’s [Hayden] Hackney in terms of his little bits of movement and the way he can get out of little tight spaces. He’s really good.
“[Dan] Barlaser is obviously a lovely passer of the ball. [Jonny] Howson has probably been doing the doggy defensive duties but is getting on a little bit so I think he [O’Brien] strengthens them no end in that department.
“Remember how much of a pivotal part of Carlos Corberan’s Huddersfield he was deployed in all manner of roles. I think that’s a great asset as well with the flexibility he brings. He can play different positions and get you a goal. He can assist and is pretty much fit for every game.
“I think he featured in 43 of the 46 games for Huddersfield and was left out prior to the play-offs. He’s a real fit boy and was one of the best players in the Championship a few years ago. I see that as a real, real steal for Middlesbrough.”
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