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Hellberg reveals why Borges was given another opportunity

Neto Borges has transformed his situation at Middlesbrough after being handed an unexpected second opportunity at the Riverside, and head coach Kim Hellberg has explained the key reason behind the decision.

The Brazilian left-back looked to have played his final game for Boro after spending last season away from the club on loan. However, a combination of circumstances and his approach during pre-season convinced Hellberg that the 30-year-old deserved another chance.

Borges joined Middlesbrough from French side Clermont Foot in the summer of 2024 for a fee believed to be close to £1.5 million. He quickly became an important option at left-back during his first campaign on Teesside.

However, his situation changed dramatically under former manager Rob Edwards, who sanctioned a loan move to Bristol City last season. At that point, it appeared increasingly likely that Borges’ future would lie away from Middlesbrough.

Instead, the arrival of Hellberg has given the defender a completely different opportunity.

Middlesbrough needed a left-back

There was a clear opening for Borges to re-establish himself during the summer.

Matt Targett returned to his parent club after completing his loan spell, while Finley Munroe departed temporarily for Blackpool. Alex Bangura, meanwhile, remained an unreliable option because of his history of injuries.

Although Luke Ayling can fill in at left-back when required, Middlesbrough ideally needed a natural specialist in that position.

That situation worked in Borges’ favour.

He returned to the Riverside from Bristol City and, despite having never previously worked with Hellberg, was welcomed back into the first-team group.

Rather than automatically moving the Brazilian on, Hellberg assessed him on his attitude, work ethic and willingness to improve.

Those qualities ultimately convinced the Boro head coach to give him another opportunity.

Asked what had been decisive in Borges earning his way back into the squad, Hellberg pointed towards the player himself.

“The person. That’s what it comes down to all the time,” Hellberg explained.

The Middlesbrough boss stressed that players can earn opportunities simply by demonstrating the right mentality every day.

He explained that anyone returning to the club with the desire to work professionally, perform to a high standard and improve consistently will always have a chance to impress.

For Borges, that approach appears to have made all the difference.

Hellberg was particularly impressed by the way the defender approached the new season and the effort he put into his work.

He also believes Borges understands what is expected of him and has shown that he is capable of developing further.

“He knows what’s expected of him and he can grow from that. He’s been exceptional,” Hellberg said.

Borges has seized his opportunity

The Brazilian has responded to the manager’s faith in impressive fashion.

Since returning to the Boro starting XI, Borges has rediscovered the form that initially convinced Middlesbrough to sign him.

He has established himself as one of the team’s most dependable performers and has made supporters quickly forget about the departure of Targett.

Borges has started nine of Middlesbrough’s opening 11 Championship matches this season, while featuring from the bench in the other two.

His statistics also underline his importance.

As of October 21, the 30-year-old had made 11 Championship appearances, scored once and recorded an average FotMob rating of 7.10.

Those numbers reflect the consistency he has brought to Hellberg’s side.

One match in particular summed up both his character and his ability to respond to setbacks.

Against Stoke City, Borges endured the disappointment of putting the ball into his own net.

Rather than allowing that mistake to define his performance, he responded at the other end.

The defender scored from close range late in the game, helping Middlesbrough secure a dramatic 3-2 away victory.

That sequence perfectly illustrated why Hellberg has placed so much faith in him.

Borges made a costly mistake, but instead of losing confidence, he continued working and ultimately played a decisive role in securing all three points.

From outcast to key player

The transformation in Borges’ position at Middlesbrough has been remarkable.

Not long ago, he appeared to have no long-term future at the Riverside after being sent out on loan.

Now, he looks like one of the first names on Hellberg’s team sheet.

The defender’s attitude has played a significant role in that turnaround.

Rather than allowing his previous situation to affect his approach, Borges returned determined to prove that he could still contribute to Middlesbrough.

Hellberg’s decision to give him another chance is already looking increasingly justified.

Boro have ambitions of challenging for promotion, and maintaining consistency throughout the season will be vital.

Borges could have an important part to play if Middlesbrough are serious about ending their long wait to return to the Premier League.

Borges ahead of summer signing Arfsten

Middlesbrough did not enter the season without strengthening the left side of their squad.

Max Arfsten arrived from Columbus Crew during the summer in a deal reportedly worth around $7.5 million, equivalent to approximately £5.6 million.

Despite that significant investment, Arfsten has generally found himself behind Borges in Hellberg’s selection order.

That speaks volumes about how highly the Middlesbrough manager currently rates the Brazilian.

The competition for the position should ultimately benefit the squad, but Borges’ performances have ensured that he remains the preferred option for now.

Hellberg’s public praise has further underlined the defender’s importance.

Could Borges help deliver promotion?

There is still a long way to go before Middlesbrough can determine whether their promotion ambitions will become reality.

However, Borges’ unexpected revival could prove to be one of the most significant developments of the season.

The Brazilian has gone from appearing to be surplus to requirements to becoming an important component of Hellberg’s plans.

His willingness to work, learn and respond positively to adversity has earned him the manager’s trust.

The challenge now is to maintain that level throughout the campaign.

If Borges continues producing performances similar to those seen during the opening weeks of the season, he could become a central figure in Middlesbrough’s promotion push.

Hellberg’s decision to give him another opportunity initially looked like a gamble.

At present, though, it appears to be paying off handsomely.