Concentration the big difference in the Premier League, says Boro’s Gibson

Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson admitted the club’s Premier League campaign proved to be a real eye-opener.

The 24-year-old was an ever-present in the Teessiders’ campaign, which ultimately led to relegation with the club finishing 19th.

Gibson’s performances at the heart of Boro’s backline was a rare positive in their season, and led to a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

But he admitted the gruelling and competitive nature of the top flight was a huge step up from the rigors of the lower divisions.

Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

“For me, I’ve found concentration to be the biggest difference between the Premier League and the Championship,” Gibson said.

“The quality – the pace and the intensity of these players – is unbelievable.

“That’s where we’ve been punished. As a defender, often you feel like you’re there, everything is under control and you’ve got every situation sussed.

“But football has a funny way of coming around and smacking you in the face.

“You can feel you’ve got everything conquered in the Premier League, and then football will come and hit you in the face.

“I think that’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned – you can never get complacent.”