CITY PLAYER RATINGS (v MIDDLESBROUGH)

The brilliant Cardiff City player ratings as trio dominate in win over Middlesbrough
Glen Williams

Here is how each player rated in the Bluebirds' victory up at Middlesbrough


Alex Smithies 8

Solid again. Scarcely called into action but his glovework and distribution were on point when they needed to be. Made a top save against Tavernier in the second half.


Leandro Bacuna 7

Another very good outing from the makeshift right back. Caught out of position a few times but almost acted like another winger to bolster the attack.


Sean Morrison 9

Massive in both boxes. A tremendous header to put City ahead and quelled any danger Ashley Fletcher brought in the Bluebirds box. Dominated in the air.


Curtis Nelson 7

Didn't put a foot out of place all afternoon. Used his pace to recover when Boro looked to break from City attacks and solid in the air. Distribution needs to be better at times, though.


Joe Bennett 8

A little quieter in attack against Boro, but had one or two positive moments in attack. Boro had no joy attacking down their right-hand side, though.


Will Vaulks 8

Patrick Roberts was largely anonymous for the hosts and that is because the Welshman didn't allow him any room to breathe.


Joe Ralls 9 (Star Man)

Utterly brilliant from that deeper-lying role once again. Those bursts from deep really add another dimension to the Bluebirds attack. Was dominant in the middle of the park.


Nathaniel Mendez-Laing 7

A decent outing from the winger, didn't quite happen for him as it has done in recent weeks, but still showed glimpses of true quality. Tired a little later on before producing a great assist for Murphy's second.


Lee Tomlin 7

Produced a few touches and passes of true class when in dangerous areas, but didn't fashion too many clear-cut chances for himself. Played Murphy through for City's second with laser-like pass.


Junior Hoilett N/A

Started brightly but was forced off through injury after only 17 minutes. A shame.


Robert Glatzel 6

Toiled away, as every City striker has to, to battle for those long balls in the first half. Improved as game opened up later on but had very few, if any, clear chances.


SUBS

Josh Murphy (on for Hoilett 17) 9

Stunning first goal after a long, driving run and grew in confidence throughout. Ran the defence ragged late on and finished brilliantly for his second.


Marlon Pack (on for Tomlin 72) 6

Shored up the midfield nicely when he came on. Kept the game ticking over but perhaps could have stood firmer in the wall for Assombalonga's goal.


Danny Ward (on for Glatzel 72) 6

Another solid substitute outing for the striker. Ran the channels and stretched the defence as the game opened up late on.


Sol Bamba (on for Ralls 90) N/A

Didn't have long enough to receive a rating, but did some decent defensive work late on.


Dion Sanderson (on for Mendez-Laing 90) N/A

Same as the above.

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