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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterA 23-year-old with nearly 200 senior games under his belt already, step forward Hayden Hackney.The Middlesbrough captain is again making waves in the Championship this season, showing teams in the Premier League that age is just a number when you have capabilities beyond your years.But why are some of England's top sides already taking a keen interest in the Boro skipper, and what does he do so well, week in, week out? FourFourTwo takes a deeper look with another scout reportArticle continues below You may like Who exactly is Ethan Pye? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Who exactly is Leo Castledine? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Who exactly is Omari Kellyman? FourFourTwos two-minute scout report So who exactly is Hayden Hackney?PROFILEName: Hayden HackneyPosition/s: Centre midfield, left midfield, defensive midfieldAge: 23 (Born: 26 June 2002)Nationality: EnglandHeight: 1.78m (5ft 10in)Preferred Foot: RightCurrent Club: MiddlesbroughHackney has been with Boro since joining at Under-10 level and was spotted whilst playing for his local side, Redcar Town. Having only played for one other side, Scunthorpe United, the 23-year-old excelled during his loan spell with the Iron, showing capabilities far beyond the level of the National League.Ever since returning, Hackney has been pivotal to both Michael Carrick and now Kim Hellberg's teams, taking on the responsibility as captain and anchoring the side with his terrific range of passing and dynamic displays. If they are to achieve promotion to the Premier League this season, Hackney is a player deserving of that level, at just 23.Hackney's strengthsLong-range passing: You will not see many better passes of the ball outside England's top-flight than Hackney. A big game player, the England Under-21 international loves nothing more than to pick out his team-mates with long, searching balls, highlighting his capabilities as an 8.Decision making: Hackney's maturity as a central midfielder has seen some already compare him to Toni Kroos. Delicate with his touches, the 23-year-old has a knack for knowing what action to take at what precise time in the game, to the benefit of both himself and his teammates.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Tenacity in the tackle: The Boro star wears his heart on his sleeve; that embodiment of a local lad represents the team he grew up wanting to play for, in a way. No wonder he has been given the armband already, with fans adoring his passion and endeavour whenever he pulls on the red shirt.Uses his frame well: Having filled out to now stand at 5ft 10in, Hackney has a perfect midfielder frame that helps him keep opposition players away whenever they try to press him. Press resistant like no other, Hayden loves to turn and angle himself to protect the ball when in possession and it's been paramount to Middlesbrough's success this term.Hayden Hackney - Full Season Show - 2025 - YouTubeWatch On Derry's areas of developmentClinical finishing: Hackney gets himself into great positions, but is often the supporter in attacks, with third man runs galore and helping to create the move more than anything. If he can add that clinical finishing to his game, he would become unstoppable.Winning duels: Win your tackles and win your headers, the rest takes care of itself. The youngster has all the capabilities to do so consistently, but his duel percentage is just over half, and if he can bolster those numbers, his game will again benefit.Unnecessary fouls: The Championship moves fast, but Hackney's heart-on-sleeve mantra often causes trouble given his high foul rate. That may improve with age, as he is forced to work smarter when out of possession.Hackney's ceilingMORE REPORTSMIDFIELDERS Rodrigo Mendoza, Ife Ibrahim, Ezechiel BanzuziHackney will likely become a Premier League player this summer, whether that be with Middlesbrough or elsewhere. A well-established England Under-21 international, taking the next step to catch the attention of those at senior level will be key, and his move in the summer could be paramount to those hopes.TOPICSMiddlesbroughScunthorpe UnitedChampionshipMatthew HoltSocial Links NavigationMatthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.
