Not a fan of Elliot, the guy looks like a children's TV presenter ffs. If it's all right with the "give him time" faction, I'm going to continue to assume he's about as useful as a tabasco-slathered dildo until he proves otherwise...
At the "Team GB" game today and some blatantly English twat was draped head to toe in Brazil gear, even had the flag wrapped around his shoulders acting like Mr. Pentacampeão. Don't get me wrong, I only ventured into Boro to see the likes of Neymar, Silva and Pato etc. strut their stuff but hearing "LET'S FAHKIN AV EM BRAZIL" in his thick cockney accent for 90 minutes made me want to piledrive him (the wrestling move, not some weird gay euphemism).
I've seen the lad play around 9 times and these are the things I've noticed; he's an attacking midfielder, not a Tiote-type destroyer as he doesn't seem to possess the physical attributes needed for this role (has a tendency to mistime tackles as well). Not particularly speedy or strong , he does demonstrate good skills on the ball and is a very good passer. Obviously the lad has time on his side, but calls for him to be in the running for first-team football next season are a tad optimistic unless he significantly improves. Cool hair though, i'll give him that.
"All right, that was our final offer you've rejected, goodbye.... Oh maaannnn, you'll be really sorry you didn't take it... OOOOOh boy, we're walking towards the door now- you better stop us... Okay. 12 million. Final, final offer."
Tbf, somebody at work told me the exact same rumour. This person also staples money to the inside of his trouser pockets, so I took his info with a grain of salt...
"Big guy, strong and good in the air. Will probably be Premier League quality in a few years- but very raw right now."
My OM-supporting friend's summation of him.