Edwards’ response was instant and emphatic: “We liked what we saw”.
And with that, Boro’s recruitment staff had the green light to press on with their efforts to bring the young Dutchman to Teesside. It wasn’t an easy deal to do, with Hansen of interest to several clubs this summer, but the versatile forward revealed this week that the move to the Riverside appealed to him as soon as he knew it might be possible.
And for Edwards, the signing ticked the box for a couple of key reasons.
First of all, the head coach believes the 23-year-old has all the tools to succeed in Boro’s attack and the Championship.
And secondly, Hansen showed a desire to join Boro that Edwards loved.
“When I joined he was someone who was flagged up to me early on by the recruitment team and we liked what we saw,” said Edwards.
“He’s fast, direct, can travel with the ball, so in one vs one situations or counter attack situations he can be very effective.
“But he can also operate inside the pitch in that No.10 position as well and be really reliable as a tricky customer.
“He’s quick, dynamic, direct and he has a real desire to play for Middlesbrough Football Club. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
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Edwards has started with a back three and wing-backs in the first two games of the season in the league and cup, but has repeatedly stressed his willingness to switch shapes when he feels the time is right. And Hansen, he says, will be comfortable and effective in various systems and roles.
“He can play in wide positions, he can play in those tens, and he can play centrally as a lone ten as well,” said Edwards.
“We don’t see him so much as a nine, but in the current system he can fit in as one of the two tens in that.
“Equally, if we ever want to go 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, he can as one of the wide players or as that number ten withdrawn as well, so he gives us a lot of flexibility.”
Providing Boro got clearance through in time, Edwards said Hansen could go straight into the squad for today’s game at Millwall, though he’s unlikely to start after a recent illness forced him to miss a stint of training.
“He’s played some minutes over the summer but he’d been ill over the last couple of weeks,” said Edwards.
“He’s recovered now, but it’s meant he hasn’t done as much training over the last couple of weeks, but has trained the last couple of days.
“He’s been great. It’s always daunting when you come into a new group but he seems relaxed and confident. He has a nice confidence about him.”
