Middlesbrough have made a decent start since returning to the Premier League, taking an admirable five points from three games.
It’s still very early days and Aitor Karanka’s men are still yet to face any of the serious title contenders, yet there is already a revitalised feel good factor around the Riverside following their unbeaten start.
A derby day victory over local rivals Sunderland has been the highlight so far, while draws against Stoke and West Brom etched more points on the board before last weekend’s international break.
But which players have impressed the most since Boro’s return to the top flight?
Here are three who have caught the eye.
Adam Forshaw
The 24-year-old midfielder spent most of last season as a backup player in the Championship, as he watched Adam Clayton and Grant Leadbitter form a formidable partnership in the middle of the park.
At the start of the summer it looked like he may be the fourth choice in central midfield, after Boro spent £12 million on Dutchman Marten de Roon. However, Forshaw has since received his chance and grabbed it with both hands.
De Roon’s injury after 14 minutes in the season opener against Stoke allowed Forshaw to make his Premier League debut and he has impressed ever since.
Forshaw was a contender for man of the match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, where his well-weighted pass set up Boro’s second goal of the game.
His performance the following week, on the road at West Brom, was equally impressive, as Forshaw’s confidence on the ball and tenacity in midfield gave Boro a solid platform to build on away from home.
Forshaw has been so impressive that if he keeps it he will surely make himself un-droppable, even when Leadbitter and De Roon return from the side-lines.