{"id":1433532,"date":"2026-02-17T16:19:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T16:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1433532"},"modified":"2026-02-18T09:22:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T09:22:06","slug":"tactical-analysis-hayden-hackney-premier-league-interest","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-hayden-hackney-premier-league-interest\/","title":{"rendered":"Hayden Hackney analysis: Why the Middlesbrough star is ready for a Premier League transfer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Every so often, the EFL produces a gem.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dele Alli is the stand out, but there have been other diamonds in the rough. The likes of Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, among others, all rose up through the English football pyramid before going on to enjoy success elsewhere. It\u2019s all about knowing where to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-midfield-the-priority-for-premier-league-s-elite\" data-level=\"3\">Midfield the priority for Premier League&#8217;s elite<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-boro-s-pass-master\" data-level=\"3\">Boro&#8217;s pass master<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-defensive-work-up-to-scratch\" data-level=\"3\">Defensive work up to scratch<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, attention is turning to the Riverside, and specifically the Middlesbrough midfield. Hayden Hackney is the latest off the EFL conveyor belt that is tipped to go far in the game. As Boro push for automatic promotion \u2013 a 3-1 loss at Coventry on Monday night hardly aided their cause \u2013 Hackney is likely to be plying his trade in the Premier League regardless next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To most, he\u2019s already a Premier League quality midfielder. Four goals and five assists for a deep-lying midfielder are both solid hauls. However, there is more to the 23-year-old beyond goal involvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-midfield-the-priority-for-premier-league-s-elite\">Midfield the priority for Premier League&#8217;s elite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A number of England\u2019s top sides are tipped to strengthen in midfield in the summer. Manchester United and Manchester City are expected to battle it out for Elliot Anderson. Adam Wharton, another EFL alumni, and Carlos Baleba are also of interest to United.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Liverpool require midfield reinforcements, while Tottenham are crying out for a deep-lying playmaker. Hackney may not be the glamour name fans demand. That shouldn\u2019t deter suitors from making a move for the Boro star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An average of 64 passes per 90 ranks fourth of midfielders in the Championship this season. This is key for Kim Hellberg\u2019s side. Boro, after all, rank top for possession (57.9%). Hackney\u2019s ability to find a teammate with ease aid their ques to dictate the tempo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-boro-s-pass-master\">Boro&#8217;s pass master<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it\u2019s not about Hackney\u2019s ability to retain possession, but rather what he does with the ball. He\u2019s a midfielder who is routinely looking to drive Boro forward from the middle of the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As such, a return of 639 forward passes is notable in that the haul, excluding goalkeepers and centre-backs, ranks fourth in England\u2019s second tier this term. The Boro star routinely turns and scans to pick out his next pass. It shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise that he also ranks first for completed final third passes (637) in the division. Saying that, it\u2019s not just Hackney\u2019s distribution that has caught the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1433535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/02\/17161120\/HackneyPasses_17022026.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A key quality for a player in his position is the ability to shake off or turn a marker when they receive the ball to help ease pressure on the defence and instigate attacks. Hackney does so to an incredibly high standard. Indeed, he\u2019s completed the third most take ons (45) in the Championship this season. Those above him \u2013 Abdul Fatawu and Mikey Johnston \u2013 are wingers by trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-defensive-work-up-to-scratch\">Defensive work up to scratch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Off the ball, too, Hackney excels. He\u2019s not a luxury player by any stretch but rather one that clubs can build their team around, which Boro have done. The Englishman ranks top for ball recoveries (182) of outfield players in the 2025-26 Championship campaign. No player has won possession in the midfield third more times than Hackney (104) in the division. 76 tackles and interceptions combined is also a solid return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are those, however, who will have their Hackney doubts. The gulf between the Premier League and the Championship increases with each passing year. Players who have shone in the second tier suddenly struggle with the relentlessness of the top-flight. It\u2019s a cruel reality check, and one that few pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Saying that, just because Hackney\u2019s not already playing in the Premier League doesn\u2019t mean he will struggle with the step up between divisions. Wharton took to England\u2019s top tier like a duck to water. Crystal Palace are expected to fetch a hefty fee for the England international when they come to sell this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Boro, even if they are promoted, won\u2019t be able to match Wharton\u2019s asking price when the time comes to cash in on Hackney. Conversely, they\u2019ll be able to command a hefty fee for the midfielder, even with a year left to run on his current deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hackney will hardly be plucked from obscurity should he leave the summer. Premier League interest is warranted, and the main shock is that he hasn\u2019t already yet made the step up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, the midfielder should be high on wishlists of teams seeking a deep lying playmaker this summer. A lack of top-flight experience be damned, Hackney\u2019s skillset is suited to the Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                <div 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attacking solutions against stubborn Atlas Lions                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">16 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-chelsea-marco-palestra-new-signing\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                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class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Spain vs Belgium penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Belgium penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a 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quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Morocco penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                        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class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Every World Cup 2026 quarter-finalist ranked by reliance on their top goalscorer                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a 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Dele Alli is the stand out, but there have been other diamonds in the rough. The likes of Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, among others, all rose up through the English football pyramid before going on to enjoy success elsewhere. It\u2019s all about knowing where&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1433534,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Hayden Hackney is one of the Championship\u2019s standout midfielders. We analyse his stats, playing style and why top clubs should target him this summer.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1433532","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hayden Hackney analysis: Why the Middlesbrough star is ready for a Premier League transfer | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hayden Hackney is one of the Championship\u2019s standout midfielders. 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Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough during the Coventry City v Middlesbrough Sky Bet Championship match at Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, England on 16 February 2026 Credit: Ryan Crockett\/Every Second Media Credit: Every Second Media\/Alamy Live News"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-hayden-hackney-premier-league-interest\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Squawka","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Features","item":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Hayden Hackney analysis: Why the Middlesbrough star is ready for a Premier League transfer"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/","name":"Squawka | EN","description":"Football News, Stats, and More...","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/d83177c024444113f28c89f65fde90b4","name":"Ben McAleer","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ecc09a71c5a7a0a154f65a823b2d57f865ae282917ddd2eadc3272ff5a55348f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ecc09a71c5a7a0a154f65a823b2d57f865ae282917ddd2eadc3272ff5a55348f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ben McAleer"},"description":"Ben has over 15 years\u2019 worth of experience in the world of football writing and has previously featured on The Guardian, The Independent, Sky Sports, The Irish Examiner, talksport, and more. 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