Riley Patrick McGree

Riley McGree started Middlesbrough’s 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, but his early miss and 69th-minute substitution showed how quickly Boro’s attacking options are changing around Will Lankshear’s remarkable start.

A bright opening that got away

Riley McGree was handed another start in Middlesbrough’s attacking midfield against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but the Australian will know he had an opportunity to shape the game before the contest truly settled.

With West Brom midfielder Isaac Price rolling a loose backpass into his path, McGree had a clear early opening. He tried a first-time finish, only to flick the effort wide of the target. It was the kind of chance that could have altered the rhythm of a goalless first half, particularly with West Brom enjoying periods of possession but offering limited threat in front of goal. (skysports.com)

McGree’s involvement was not limited to that miss, and Middlesbrough ultimately controlled the decisive moments. But the chance was also a reminder of the fine margins now surrounding his role: Boro have attacking players producing immediately, and opportunities are becoming more valuable in a squad with genuine competition for places.

The substitution tells part of the story

Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards replaced McGree with Kyle Joseph in the 69th minute, shortly after Jimmy-Jay Morgan had levelled for West Brom. The change came as part of a broader reshaping of the attack, with Alfie Jones also introduced for Morgan Whittaker. (footballwebpages.co.uk)

That timing matters. McGree was not withdrawn after a disastrous performance, nor did the substitution prevent Middlesbrough from finding a winning gear. Will Lankshear restored the lead four minutes later, before adding a second goal in the 73rd minute. Alfie Jones then completed the 3-1 victory late on.

Still, McGree’s departure meant he was no longer on the pitch when Boro turned a competitive game into another convincing result. That is the immediate selection pressure facing him: even when Middlesbrough are winning, the attacking combinations that finish matches can change quickly.

Lankshear has changed the conversation

The biggest force behind that pressure is Lankshear. The striker’s brace took him to six goals in five matches since his summer move from Tottenham, according to Sky Sports, and continued a strong opening run for Middlesbrough. (skysports.com)

Lankshear’s form does not directly displace McGree, who started on the right side of Middlesbrough’s attacking midfield in the 4-2-3-1 structure listed for the match. But a centre-forward scoring at that rate raises the standard for every player supplying, supporting and linking with him. (footballwebpages.co.uk)

Middlesbrough’s bench also offers different profiles. Joseph provides a more direct option, while Jones, Maximilian Arfsten and Jeremy Sarmiento give Edwards several ways to alter the width, running power and ball-carrying threat around Lankshear. McGree’s value remains tied to his ability to connect midfield with the final third, but that responsibility now comes with less room for quiet spells.

A selection test, not a verdict

The West Brom game should not be treated as a definitive setback for McGree. He started, played 69 minutes and helped Middlesbrough extend their excellent run of results at the Riverside. Match data also recorded a 7.2 FotMob rating for his performance, although the available reporting does not establish that he was withdrawn because of injury or poor fitness. (fotmob.com)

The more accurate reading is that McGree is operating inside an attacking unit that is gaining momentum and becoming harder to predict. His next challenge is to turn starts into decisive contributions, particularly when chances arrive early and the game is still waiting for a spark.

For an Australian midfielder who has already shown he can influence the Championship, the pressure is constructive but real. Lankshear’s goals have lifted Middlesbrough’s ceiling; McGree now has to ensure he remains central to the attack that is trying to reach it.

SourcesMiddlesbrough 3 - 1 West Brom - Match Report & HighlightsSky Bet Championship | Middlesbrough 3 - 1 West Bromwich Albion | Football Web PagesRiley McGree - stats, career and market valueMiddlesbrough 3-1 West Brom: Will Lankshear scores twice as Boro winMiddlesbrough 3-1 West Bromwich Albion — match details and line-upsMiddlesbrough 3-1 West Bromwich Albion — match report and statisticsRiley McGree 2026/27 match and player statistics