On the back of a difficult first few months on Teesside after his summer arrival from Clermont, it can’t have been easy for Borges to see his boss Michael Carrick push to strengthen in his position, with Giles – a favourite of the head coach after his successful loan stint a couple of seasons ago – rejoining on loan until the end of the season.
It didn’t take long for Giles to replace Borges in the team and at that stage the Brazilian could have been excused for thinking he was going to spend the majority of the second half of the season sat on the bench.
But after Giles endured a tough start to his second spell at Boro, Borges got another chance and how he’s grasped it. The 28-year-old has now started three successive Championship games and has put in his best performances of the season so far.
Not only that, he’s shown how much he cares. After last Friday night’s defeat at Bristol City, Borges looked devastated as he stood alone in front of the away end at the full-time whistle.
The scenes were very different at Stoke on Tuesday, when the full-back celebrated with supporters and handed one of the travelling fans his shirt.
“I’ve been very impressed with Neto of late,” admitted boss Carrick.
“He’s a terrific character. He’s one of them, anything you ask him to do or try and help him with, he’s desperate to learn and do well.
“That was part of the emotion he showed after Bristol really, how disappointed he was. It’s nice to see how much he and all the boys care and how much it hurts when it doesn’t go to plan.
“It’s been a season where he’s played a lot of games and I think he probably just needed a little breather and rest. He’s came back really well in the last couple of games. He’s in a good place.”
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Borges was playing through the pain barrier at times in the first half of the season, battling injuries but desperate to not miss out on the action.
He also joined after the Championship season had got underway, so there was very little time for him to adjust and acclimatise.
“I think he’s done well overall,” said Carrick.
“The intensity around the league – the amount of games, the type of football, the regularity of games – sometimes some adjusting to and can take its toll over a period of time. You have to learn how to manage yourself to get through such a busy season.
“We’re all aware of that. Now, he looks strong. Obviously, he came to us having already had many experiences – success as well as tougher times – and when you come through them you’re better as a result.
“You can see he’s still improving. I’m pleased with Neto though. He offers a lot, he’s got a really good, strong personality and he’s one of those boys where if there is anything going on, he’s there for the fight.”
And what about the arrival of Giles? Has that given Borges a push to find the next level in his game?
“I think that’s just part of being in a squad that has good players in it,” said Carrick.
“You never write anyone off. Neto has done fantastic, so signing Ryan wasn’t a slight on him.
“We have good options throughout the pitch and across the pitch in recent weeks that’s been clear to see. We’ve used the squad well. It’s never a case of new players come in and the rest are all out by any stretch.
“Certain games will suit certain individuals and we’ll make the most of that.”