Alves relaxed over goal drought

Alves: Staying relaxed

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Middlesbrough's record signing Afonso Alves insists he is not worried by his recent dip in form.

The 27-year-old Brazilian striker says he is staying relaxed and focused and that the goals will follow.

With just one goal to his name so far this term, Alves has far from justified his £12million price tag but he insists it is a temporary blip that most strikers experience at some point in their career.

"It's natural for strikers to go through spells where they are not scoring," Alves told the Evening Gazette.

"There is no point in worrying about it.

"If I start to worry too much then it will make it harder. If I stay relaxed then the goals will come."

Team effort

Middlesbrough have not had the best start to their campaign, picking up just six points in six games which has left them fifth from bottom in the League.

Alves, though, says it is a team effort and that he is not to blame for the club's current position.

"I am just one of the players," said Alves. "I am just like everybody else. It's not just me that has to score goals.

"As long as we relax and work as a team then we will score goals."

Speaking of his link up front with Mido, Alves added: "The partnership with Mido has been good. We are playing well together.

"Once we score a goal then two or three will follow."