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Middlesbrough player ratings vs Wrexham as one debutant has already transformed Hellberg's team How the Middlesbrough players rated in their 1-0 win over Wrexham in the cup Middlesbrough started their new season with a Carabao Cup win over Wrexham at the Riverside, with new striker Will Lankshear making the perfect start. Lankshear, who joined from Tottenham this summer in a deal worth £8m initially, looked worth every penny as he commanded the final third for Boro before striking in some fashion to fire Kim Hellberg’s side into the second round. Lankshear was one of four Boro players to debut against Wrexham, in a performance that had some teething issues. But with a confidence-boosting win and goal for Lankshear, it was a great way to start the new season. Here’s how the Boro players rated. Sol Brynn - 7 Didn’t have a lot to do, but the one save Boro needed him to make, he did do. He spread himself to block Sam Smith’s first-time effort. Callum Brittain - 7 Solid throughout as he dominated the right side of the pitch with his positive runs forward. Very nearly set Lankshear up for a first-half goal too. Luke Ayling - 6 You can still see his intelligence and experience in certain moments where others might panic. But the early signs of this summer suggest Ayling may struggle in this more expansive Boro side. He looked exposed at times. Neto Borges - 6 Tidy enough but, like Ayling, lacked the pace on the turn when Wrexham countered and caught Boro stretched. Did a solid enough job covering at centre-back though, highlighting why he could be an important squad player this season. Max Arfsten - 6 There were some understandable teething issues with his positioning and use of possession, having only arrived earlier in the week. But he looked quick and defended competently when needing to one vs one. As he settles, it’s easy to see the potential for an exciting player. Adilson Malanda - 7 The midfield experiment hasn’t always worked, but this was his most competent performance in the role. He read the game well to step back and cover in the defence when needed, and fizzed some excellent balls through the lines into Lankshear, reminiscent of that early star performance at Sheffield United last season. Sebastian Berhalter - 7 Looks a really tidy and energetic player in the Boro midfield. Despite this being just his second game, he’s not afraid to move the ball quickly. Assisted Boro’s goal too, arriving beyond the back post to head back into Lankshear’s path. Morgan Whittaker - 7 Not everything came off, but he was a threat, causing problems for the Wrexham defence, while not neglecting his defensive work either. Unlucky not to score late on. Leo Castledine - 6 A couple of neat first half touches and flicks that almost created openings for his side. Not quite as involved in this one, however. Jeremy Sarmiento - 6 Drifted in and out of the game, but there were a lot more positive signs from Sarmiento in this one, compared to the player who struggled so much last term. His cross resulted in the goal too. Will Lankshear - 8 Lankshear looks to have completely transformed Boro’s attack. Not only has he proved with an excellent finish, he can provide Boro with a goal source they so dearly lacked last time, but his general play makes such a difference too. Whether it’s his hold-up play with his back to goal, or his movement in and around the box, Lankshear’s already made a big difference. Subs George Edmundson (For Arfsten, 67’) - 6 - Did everything that was required of him late on to protect the lead, save for one edgy clearance. Kyle Joseph (For Sarmiento, 67’) - 6 - Looked busy from the bench and hassled defenders with his pace. Nearly helped create a second goal. Finley Cartwright (For Lankshear, 80’) - N/A Cruz Ibeh (For Whittaker, 90’) - N/A ------------- Get Teesside Live Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive Boro news and features, transfer notebooks, comment and analysis from Eric Paylor, plus an ad-lite experience Join our WhatsApp community to get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.