Rokas Pukstas: What can Middlesbrough expect from new midfielder?

Middlesbrough's new midfield signing Rokas Pukstas has never played domestic football outside of Croatia - so what will he bring to the English game?

The 22-year-old has arrived at Boro following a four-year spell in the Hajduk Split first team in which he scored 27 goals and registered 10 assists in 142 games.

Croatian football journalist Lovre Nikolac said one of Pukstas' main qualities is arriving late in the box to provide a goal threat.

"He is very good arriving late and as soon as he steps on the pitch, as soon as there's an aerial duel, he wins it," Nikolac told BBC Radio Tees.

"He can jump high. He's very strong and his play with headers is amazing. If there's one thing that he cannot improve on, I think it's that.

"He arrives late and [also] picks up the scraps sometimes."

Pukstas also has an exceptional work rate and stamina, according to Nikolac - something which Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg demands from his players.

"Obviously we can talk about the goals, but it's what he does off the ball," said Nikolac.

"He just runs. There's no other way to put it. He never stops and he does everything that's needed from him.

"And he's box to box, so up and down the pitch the whole game and never looks tired."

Nikolac believes one area where the USA under-23 international can improve is his technical game and passing ability.

"He's not great at passing, but everything else he's got spot on. Defending, reading the game, late arrivals, scoring goals," he added.

"But if he can improve that, then you have a whole player, a true midfielder. You can use him wherever you want. He has the physicality to do anything."

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