After starting three of the first four Championship games this season, Burgzorg was named on the bench for the following 10 league fixtures.
On the back of an underwhelming loan spell with relegated Huddersfield Town last season, the 26-year-old was something of a surprise Boro signing. But the recruitment team felt the Mainz 05 forward had the potential to be a big hit in the Championship. And so it’s proved.
After a relatively slow start to the season, Burgzorg has been Boro’s best performer in recent weeks, which is why Carrick’s decision to drop him for Saturday’s visit of the Hornets was such a surprise.
As it turned out, Burgzorg was introduced at half-time after Carrick’s tactical switch had backfired and the forward was Boro’s brightest and most threatening player in the second period as they looked for an equaliser that didn’t come.
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Carrick played down the decision to leave Burgzorg out immediately after the game and did the same again in his press conference on Wednesday when it was put to the head coach that it was harsh on the forward.
“I think we always make decisions,” he said.
“That’s just part of it, whether it’s tactically or certain things in games we want to do better. That’s just the decisions we have to make.”
Burgzorg will almost certainly return to the starting XI at Bristol City, where Boro are looking to put an end to their four-game losing streak in the Championship.
Carrick said: “I think Della has improved an awful lot since he’s been here, positionally and his understanding of what we expect from him in the role.
“I think it’s quite clear as the season has gone on that he’s improved an awful lot. He’s an important player, we have some good players across that frontline and we can make the most of that.”
