If we're 9 points clear of third place but still need bare minimum four new signings "to give it a proper go", how many do Middlesbrough need? Ten? Fifteen?
The idea that the team 8 points clear at the top of the league "needs" to bring in four or more players to get through the season just doesn't hold water to me.
The team that started today still has three of the season's best performers (BTA, Torp and Dasilva) yet still to return. It has two of last season's best players (Wright and Rudoni) going through a grim run of form which is not likely to continue at current levels. The squad is lacking proper backup options out wide and could arguably do with some more competition up front, but with 21 games left you can trust this squad to finish the job without needing a major overhaul - that comes in the summer instead.
It’s obvious we just need 2-3 to give us depth. Squad overhaul, no. Players who can make it in the prem - unlikely. We need a 20 game shot in the arm. The likes of Esse are the template. Good champ pedigree on loan.