Middlesbrough player ratings vs Port Vale as professional job sees them into the semis

Tom Glover – 6

The only saves he was required to make were simple ones, which was a testament to the defenders in front of him. It would have been a cold night for him that’s for sure.

Anfernee Dijksteel – 7

Not a lot of opportunity to get forward for him in this one. Nevertheless, he was part of a really solid defence that coped really well with first-half Port Vale pressure.

Dael Fry – 8

Really solid evening for Fry as he stood up to the physical challenge to win every duel he had to. Port Vale really looked to put in on Boro early on, but they defensively stood up to the challenge. There were some immense headers throughout.

Matt Clarke – 8

Solid at the back throughout and managed the game well after a sloppy early booking. Some of his work playing the ball out from the back under pressure was particularly impressive early on and set the tempo for Boro ultimately taking control of the tie.

Lukas Engel – 7

Didn’t really get much chance to get forward in this one. Instead he just did what was required of him with minimal fuss, defending when he needed to and moving the ball on when he had to.

Jonny Howson – 8

Started off the scoring with an albeit heavily deflected effort. But it nevertheless typified his drive throughout as he picked up a good advanced position to give Barlaser the option. Would be a fair shout for man of the match again after Saturday.

Dan Barlaser – 7

Really assured display. He always showed for the ball to help Boro’s defenders out as they played it out from the back and through the early Port Vale press. Ensured early on that Boro were calm as Port Vale looked to put the pressure on.

Sammy Silvera – 7

Really lively throughout. Full of endeavour, which was shown for Boro’s second when he won back possession in Port Vale’s half before providing an excellent assist for Rogers.

Matt Crooks – 7

Worked hard throughout and after firing a chance over in the first half he put the game to bed with a smart finish early in the second. Pulled up late on though and was forced off as Boro’s injury woes continued.

Morgan Rogers – 8

Seems to love this competition. He produced a wonderful finish to put Boro two up and fire himself to the top of the competition’s goalscoring charts. There was also some really slick play throughout, with real drive and determination shown throughout. Could be tidier at times with his passing, with probably edges our man of the match.

Emmanuel Latte Lath – 6

With Rav van den Berg missing and added to Boro’s injury list, hopefully Latte Lath going off at half-time won’t prove serious. Worked hard throughout the first half without many sights at goal to show for it.

Substitutions

Isaiah Jones (For Latte Lath, 46′) – N/A – Only one for a short period to help Boro grab a third and seal the game before being protected due to feeling an issue with his hamstring of late.

Cal Kavanagh (For Jones, 73′) – 6 – Almost had a dream debut as he went so close to scoring with his very first touch. Worked hard thereafter but the game somewhat petered out to limit the impact he could have.

Alex Bangura (For Crooks, 77′) – N/A

Law McCabe (For Rogers, 83′) – N/A