Karanka confident Negredo can fire Middlesbrough to safety

Alvaro Negredo’s career has stalled since he left Manchester City two years ago, but Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka believes he can get him back to being one of the world’s best.

The Spanish striker scored just 17 goals in 84 matches for Valencia after leaving City, and joined newly-promoted Boro this summer.

The 31-year-old has got off to a fast start on Teeside, with a goal against Stoke on his Boro debut, and he has played a big part in their impressive start to the campaign.

And Karanka insists he has instilled confidence into Negredo and expects him to continue his fast start and score the goals which keep Middlesbrough up.

“It is only natural his confidence was a bit down after last season. If he had played at his proper level last season, we would have had to pay £30-35m to sign him,” he said.

Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images

“I knew I could change his head and bring the best out of him. I am pleased with the way he has played and I’m confident about the future.

“He is pleased to come because he knows he is going to score goals.

“But he knows it is different this season because he is used to games where he has lots of opportunities to arrive in the box.”