If Hellberg wants aggression from wide areas, Arfsten appears well matched to the job. He is reportedly most comfortable on the left, where he can drive forward early, stretch the pitch and arrive in attacking spaces rather than simply hold a defensive line.
That matters in a Hellberg setup. His teams want width, tempo and quick regains, and a left-sided wing-back who can turn defence into attack in one carry is a major weapon. The question, as ever with a step up to the Championship, is whether Arfsten can cope with the defensive grind as well as the attacking freedom. But stylistically, the fit is easy to see.
Berhalter looks like a different kind of reinforcement: calmer, more central and potentially important in possession. Reports suggest he is expected to challenge for a midfield role, and that would make sense in a side that wants to control matches rather than scrap through them.
His appeal is not only technical. He appears to offer set-piece quality, tactical discipline and enough edge to handle a demanding league. Replacing an established midfield influence is never simple, but Berhalter looks like the sort of player who can keep moves flowing and help maintain pressure higher up the pitch.
What stands out most is that these are not vanity signings. They look like practical ones. Middlesbrough are chasing promotion, and Hellberg’s style needs runners, passers and players comfortable in transitions. Arfsten and Berhalter seem to tick different boxes within the same plan.
Now attention turns to Wrexham and whether Friday brings an immediate glimpse of both newcomers. If it does, the next storyline will be simple: not just whether they settle, but how quickly they can become part of a genuine promotion push.