Heated debate has stimulated on social media over Middlesbrough's mixed Championship campaign recently.

After Boro's relegation threatened campaign last year, some fans were happy to see vast improvement on the pitch while others were much more hopeful of a push for the Championship play offs.

Either way, there were some memorable performances from some of those players in red and white.

Here's the verdict on Boro's top five players this season.

The Northern Echo:

DUNCAN WATMORE

The 26-year-old unexpectedly ended the season as Boro's top scorer with nine goals to his name.

The former Sunderland winger had years of injury torture so it was always going to be a gamble to take a punt on Watmore. 

However, fans acknowledged that if the man dubbed 'The Ginger Pele' can stay injury free, then the end product would be well worth the gamble. 

As it turned out, it was shrewd business of Boro to tie him down to a further two-and-a-half year deal. Watmore stands out as a shining light of Boro's recruitment over the course of the season. 

Personal highlights for Watmore have to be braces in games against Swansea City and Millwall while a solo run and goal against Huddersfield Town stole headlines but was harshly left out of contention for EFL Goal of the Season. 

The Northern Echo: Paddy McNair plays a pass upfield during Middlesbrough's 2-1 win at Hillsborough on the final day of last season

PADDY MCNAIR

For a man who has been so versatile throughout his career, you could perhaps forgive him for being a jack of all trades on the pitch. 

However, McNair has oozed class at the heart of Boro's defence starting in every one of their Championship games this season. A far cry from a few years before where he was left out in the cold by Tony Pulis.

A defender with an eye for goal isn't a rarity in football, but a defender with an eye for a goal and a wicked delivery is something of a gem. 

Seven assists from defence is a brilliant return for the Northern Irishman.

With a summer of overhaul expected at the club, it will be interesting to see where McNair's place in the team lies when the Championship season begins in August. Rest assured, he'll be in there in some capacity.

The Northern Echo: Dael Fry has been in excellent form at the heart of Middlesbrough's back four this season

DAEL FRY

Fans may well have snapped the hands off Burnley for the hefty transfer fee the Clarets offered for Fry last season. 

At this point, you wouldn't be surprised if they said you need to offer double the amount for his services.

The 23-year-old has looked like a commanding presence in Boro's defence with 12 clean sheets during the Chmpionship campaign.

Bullying strikers and showing aerial dominance earned himself the nickname of 'The Lighthouse' in the process and endeared himself favourably in the eyes of the fanbase.

It's easy to forget that his debut was just over six years ago and with captain Jonny Howson in the twilight years of his career, Neil Warnock will be hoping the potential of Fry wearing the armband in the future will fend off any potential Premier League suitors.

The Northern Echo:

MARC BOLA

His eye for the camera during a goal celebration is almost enough to earn him a spot on this list. 

Bola's climb from the subs bench of League One Blackpool to a mainstay on Boro's left side is nothing short of remarkable.

Particular highlights have to include his sublime strike in a 2-0 win over Reading in the midst of Boro's hunt for the Championship play offs. 

Warnock has always stressed how young his squad is and with 42 league appearances to his name this season, the 23-year-old will have added much needed experience to his game. 

With one assist to his name this season, this could be an area of improvement pinpointed by Boro's coaching staff.

The Northern Echo: Middlesbrough's Anfernee Dijksteel and Derby County's Lee Gregory battle for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match at Pride Park Stadium, Derby. Picture date: Saturday February 13, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Derby. Photo credit s

ANFERNEE DIJKSTEEL

Neil Warnock's favourite player in the dressing room to the point where he was invited round his house for Christmas dinner.

The long term injury if Grant Hall earlier in the season left a big hole to fill in Boro's defence where Dijksteel stepped up impeccably. 

Few would've predicted the Dutchman transtioning into a right centre-back role but his pace and strength covering the right flank proved to be a tricky opponent for even the trickiest of Championship wingers.

Even with an early end to his season thanks to an ankle injury, Dijksteel still stands out as one of Boro's performers of the campaign.