Latin flair delights Arca

Julio Arca believes Middlesbrough are benefiting from a South American influence in midfield.



The Argentinian has established a good understanding with Brazilian Fabio Rochemback in the Boro midfield. The pair face competition for a spot in central midfield from George Boateng and Lee Cattermole.

Arca said: "You always have to work hard to keep your position in the team. Fabio and I understand each other quite well. Me, Fabio, George and Lee have all played in the middle, and we are all different players, so the manager can mix any of us together.

"All of us want to try to do things well. Recently with Fabio and I, we have been playing good football, we understand each other. We try not to give the ball away and keep it as much as we can - maybe that's the South American style.

"George, like Lee, is the kind of player that works hard and helps the team get the ball back as quickly as possible and make us play. It is good to have different kinds of player in the team."

right direction

Rochemback looked as though he may leave the club in the summer, but has now found some consistent form.

Arca added: "Fabio has been training hard during pre-season, he has been doing things well. He has shown how much he wants to play.

"Everyone is working very hard to be in the team and for the manager, it is hard to pick the first XI. But that's what football is all about. Everyone wants to be involved when things are going well.

"Things have been a bit up and down, but they are starting to go in the right direction at the moment."