Scott’s other line was just as revealing: “Ele tinha qualidade em bolas paradas.” That is a very specific compliment, and an important one.
Set-pieces can decide tight games in the Championship, especially for sides still settling into a manager’s ideas and new attacking patterns. Berhalter appears to offer something Boro felt they lacked - calm delivery, technical security and a different route to goal when matches get scrappy.
The report also says Scott was struck by the midfielder’s desire to “vir para a Europa” and prove himself. That kind of mentality is exactly what supporters want to hear when a player arrives from MLS with expectations rising quickly.
There is also an interesting squad theme developing. Max Arfsten has arrived this summer, while Aidan Morris was already part of the group, giving Boro a stronger North American feel.
That does not guarantee success, of course, but it does hint at a recruitment line: energetic, coachable players with resale value and the drive to adapt fast.
Reports suggest Arfsten is expected to be involved again for the opener against Lincoln City, while Morris is only viewed as a 50% chance after a recent issue. That leaves Berhalter in focus straight away, with Boro seemingly keen to see how quickly his qualities translate from promise to production.
The next clue comes on Saturday, 15 August, when the league campaign begins and Boro’s new faces get their first real test under the Championship spotlight.