Lionel Messi would have struggled to score goals for Middlesbrough in their recent stretch of games, according to Adam Clayton in defence of Alvaro Negredo.
Negredo found the net for the first time since the opening day in the draw at Leicester, but Clayton believes the world's best player could have experienced a similar 11-game drought due to Middlesbrough needing to defend en masse in matches against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Negredo produced a brace at the King Power Stadium with two well-taken finishes and Clayton believes the 31-year-old will now get chances with greater frequency.