STATISTICS can be used to tell a range of different stories. On the one hand, Middlesbrough have failed to score in three of their last six matches, and are the joint-lowest scorers in the Premier League. On the other, they have scored three goals in two of their last five outings, having put three past Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday even though they had to play for more than half-an-hour with ten men.

So when it comes to the Teessiders’ attacking capabilities, is the glass half-empty or half-full? Aitor Karanka would certainly claim the latter, and the club’s players are ready to support their manager’s view ahead of this afternoon’s game at Watford.

It might have taken almost an hour for Boro to click into gear last weekend, but by the final whistle, and despite their man disadvantage, they were threatening to score at will. The same was true of last month’s Premier League game with Swansea, so while Karanka continues to ram home the importance of defensive resilience, perhaps reports of the death of Middlesbrough as an attacking force have been greatly exaggerated.

“As players, we’ve never been worried about a lack of goals,” said midfielder Adam Clayton. “There’s serious quality right through our team, and especially in the attacking positions. We see it every day in training, that’s why we’ve never been worried about people talking about a lack of goals.

“We know the qualities that we have as a squad – we see it every day in training – it’s just a case of making sure we have the balance right as a team. But once the goals do start to come, we’ve proved we’re capable of cutting loose.

“We’re really confident on that side of things. We’ve played some really nice stuff at times this season, and if (Alvaro) Negredo had scored the goal that led up to Grant’s (Leadbitter) free-kick last weekend, it would have been one of the goals of the season.

“It’s in there, and hopefully scoring the goals against Sheffield Wednesday will get the players up there confident, and we’ll start tapping some in.”

Boro could certainly do with some goals this afternoon as they take on a Watford side seemingly in freefall, and now just three points and two places ahead of them in the table.

Walter Mazzarri’s side claimed a 1-0 win at the Riverside in October in a game that highlighted some of Boro’s attacking limitations, but since then, the Teessiders have produced a number of performances that have witnessed a vastly-increased goalscoring threat.

Their last away display, at Manchester United, featured the perfect blend of defence and attack, and while they might have left Old Trafford with nothing to show for their efforts, a repeat display this afternoon would almost certainly be too much for Watford.

Since conceding two goals in 90 seconds on New Year’s Eve, Karanka has bolstered his side’s attacking options with the £6m capture of former Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede.

Gestede was an unused substitute last weekend, but while he is likely to find himself back on the bench this afternoon with Karanka expected to continue with Negredo as a lone centre-forward, it would be a surprise if the 28-year-old was not to make his Boro debut at some stage.

He has spent the last two weeks training with his new team-mates, and has already made a positive impression thanks to his aerial prowess.

“He looks a really good player, and I’m sure he’ll add something to what we’ve got,” said Clayton. “He’ll add something different, and however the manager chooses to use him, I’m sure he’ll be good for us.

“He’s already scored a few goals with his head in training, climbing over the back of people and nodding them down, and he’s a real threat like that. He’s a really nice lad as well. He’s a top person who’s already fitted in well, so it’s a good addition to the team.”

Gestede had become an increasingly frustrated figure after falling down the pecking order at Aston Villa, so it remains to be seen how he reacts if he is constantly playing second fiddle to Negredo on Teesside.

Karanka will not be changing his formation to accommodate two centre-forwards, but Gestede has been impressed with his new head coach’s honesty so far.

“He (Karanka) didn’t tell me that I’m going to play every game,” said the Benin international. “If a manager tells you that, you know it’s a lie. He never said that, so that means he’s honest.

“Alvaro Negredo is doing well, but the manager wants me to use my assets, my presence in the box, I can hold the ball up.

“He said, ‘Bring what you’ve got and enjoy to play’. He told me that at the end of the day, it’s a joy to play football and we’re playing at the best level.”