Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has challenged Afonso Alves to run rings around former Boro defender Jonathan Woodgate in today's clash with Tottenham.
"It's great to have an asset like that with his energy, pace and eye for goal."
Southgate added: "It was a gamble to let Jonathan go and only time will tell if it was the right decision.
"We have some outstanding players in his position.
"We've only let in 11 goals in 12 games and the money allowed us to buy Afonso."