Thursday 8 September 2016 14:45, UK
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is confident he bought well in the final, frantic stages of the transfer window after bringing in Calum Chambers and Adama Traore.
Right-back Chambers arrived at the Riverside Stadium on August 30 on a season-long loan from Arsenal, with winger Adama Traore signing for Boro on a permanent deal from Aston Villa the following day.
Both players could make their debuts when Middlesbrough face Crystal Palace at home on Saturday and Karanka has backed them both to impress this season, although the Spaniard admits he faces a welcome selection headache having signed 11 senior players before the close of business on transfer deadline day.
"Sometimes in the market you can find bargains. We were waiting for the right player and Calum [Chambers] ticks all the boxes," he said.
"Adama [Traore] has everything. He is a young player and I hope I can bring the best out of him.
"I prefer to arrive at my desk with this headache to choose my team. The attitude of the players is really good and I am really pleased."
Middlesbrough go into the game sixth in the Premier League table, following draws against West Brom and Stoke and a 2-1 victory at Sunderland in the Wear-Tees derby.
When we are organised, it is difficult to score against us and beat us. We have shown that we are ready for this league.
Karanka is refusing to get carried away by the positive start, however, as they prepare to face a Palace side yet to get going this season.
"We are in a really good position, but we have to forget the past and focus on the next game," added Karanka.
"Crystal Palace are experienced and have a good manager. But we have to focus on ourselves and play in our style. We are playing at home where we are really good, so we have to go to the pitch confident.
"When we are organised, it is difficult to score against us and beat us. We have shown that we are ready for this league."
Karanka also revealed three players who were injury doubts should be fit to face Palace.
George Friend is available having been substituted during Boro's EFL Cup defeat at Fulham, while Marten de Roon and Victor Valdes have not been involved since the 1-1- draw with Stoke on the opening day of the campaign.
"Thankfully, they are OK and ready to play," Karanka said.
"It's really good news because we have a nice problem to choose the best 11, and the best seven for the bench.
"All of [the players] deserve to be involved, but they understand that we have to think about the best for the team."
