Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has warned his players about the threat of Manchester United loanee Amad ahead of their Wear-Tees derby clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The Ivorian joined Sunderland on a season-long loan deal during the summer and has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks. He has netted six goals and grabbed one assist in his last 12 Championship outings, becoming a key figure for Tony Mowbray's side.
Not only has he had to adapt to the cut and thrust nature of the Championship, but he has also had to learn how to operate in several different positions, being tasked with playing as an attacking-midfielder and a striker, as well as in his natural right-wing role, in recent months. He has made significant strides and is considered as one of the most exciting prospects in the second tier.
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The clash with Middlesbrough will see Amad go up against former United coach and caretaker manager Carrick, who named him on the Reds' bench for their 3-2 win over Arsenal back in December 2021. Although the Boro chief has acknowledged that Sunderland have talented individuals across their forward line, he is particularly aware of the threat Amad will pose.
"Sunderland are a very good team and have a very good forward line," Carrick said, as quoted by Teesside Live. "I know Amad very well from United. He's a terrific footballer and seems to have jumped up a level again from the start of the season.
"His performances have improved and he is a threat. Not just Amad though, right across the frontline Sunderland have really good individuals who can change games at any moment and cause you problems.
"That's why they're up there at the moment and they are a danger. That's a challenge, of course, but it's one we're ready for and we’re looking forward to the game."
Amad, who has scored six times and claimed two assists in all competitions this season, is often a tricky customer for Championship defenders to deal with, such is his pace and technical ability. Carrick, though, is confident his players will be up to the challenge.
Addressing how his players will go about the task of trying to stop Amad, Carrick added: "That's the challenge. He's a talented player, really smooth on the ball and has a lovely feel for how he takes the ball. He's sharp, has injection and he sees space very well.
"Obviously I know him and have watched him very closely. He's not easy to stop because he's one of the better players, but that's the challenge we face. We face different challenges and little scenarios every week, but we'll do our work to be ready."
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