Edwards favoured wing-backs during his time in charge of Luton and has played with a back three throughout pre-season and in the first two games of the campaign.
But he has repeatedly stressed that Boro have prioritised versatile players in the transfer market, and that will remain the case in the final weeks of the window.
Callum Brittain, who arrived from Blackburn, is equally as comfortable playing at right-back in a back four or as a right wing-back, while new recruit Sontje Hansen has played most of his football as a winger but can also operate in a central role, and will initially be used as a No.10 at Boro. And Boro are now closing in on the signing of Manchester City’s Sverre Nypan, another versatile player who is comfortable playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger and even at centre-forward.
Such signings give Edwards the opportunity to vary the system, both in-games and between matches.
“If players can do both and play in different systems, like Callum Brittain, who can do both, those characteristics are key for me,” explained the head coach.
“They’re really important, so we can go to a back four like we did [against Doncaster] when we’re chasing things more. To have that flexibility in games will help us.”
Although Edwards played with a back three at Luton, he says he came to Boro with an open mind on formations.
“What we saw and found and felt on the training pitch when we first came in helped us lean towards where we’re at at the moment,” he said.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Edwards was delighted to land Hansen, who has done his homework to make sure he’s as prepared as he can be for the Championship.
The forward said: “For the last two years I’ve played in the highest competition in Holland.
“I do expect it will be tougher here than in Holland, so maybe I will need a little bit of time, but it can also be the other side.
“We will have to see. I hear a lot about how in Holland it is more about football whereas here it is a lot more physical.
“I’ve not had chance yet, but I think I will be asking Million Manhoef from Stoke how it is to play here. But I hear from some people that it is a really tough competition
“I think it will be a great test and I want to take that test. I enjoy the challenge.
“I am 23 now and I’ve learned a lot. But there is still more to learn and more to grow. I am excited to be here and hopefully we can make it a great season.”
Hansen added: “I’m delighted it’s finally done. I’m very happy to be here and very excited to play for Boro.
“When I first heard of Middlesbrough’s interest it was good. I wanted to hear more and had the meeting – they came to my city and we had a good conversation.
“It was a little bit long for me after that, but we kept in touch, and now it’s finally done.
“I’m a team player – I love to make combinations and I’m also really fast. I like to dribble both with my left and my right, I like to cross and, of course, I love getting goals and assists.
“But certainly, I think for the fans, I want them to enjoy watching me play. I think I can do beautiful things with the ball.”
