Brazilian left-back Neto Borges has earned a second chance at Middlesbrough this season, and has grasped that opportunity with both hands, as head coach Kim Hellberg reveals the crucial factor in this U-turn decision.

Borges, 30, joined Middlesbrough in the summer of 2024 from French outfit Clermont Foot for a fee reported to have been just shy of £1.5 million, and was chosen as the club's main left-back more often than not in his first year on Teesside.

However, former Boro boss Rob Edwards allowed the Brazilian to join Bristol City on loan last campaign, and his career at the Riverside appeared over, but now he has earned a second chance with the club, and Hellberg has revealed exactly why this U-turn was made.

Kim Hellberg has revealed that Neto Borges' personality was crucial in securing a second opportunity at Middlesbrough

With Matt Targett leaving Middlesbrough after the end of his loan spell, Finley Munroe leaving for Blackpool on loan, and Alex Bangura incapable of being trusted after a myriad of injuries, a new left-back was needed on Teesside this summer.

Luke Ayling is capable of operating in that role if required, but a more natural player in that area would be ideal, as Borges returned from his loan at Bristol City and, having never played under Hellberg, was given a fresh start on Teesside.

Following his reintroduction into the squad, Hellberg has revealed exactly why the Brazilian earned a second chance, saying: "The person. That's what it comes down to all the time.

"I think I've been honest all the time. If you look at how some people get chances, it's very simple. If you come back here and want to work every day professionally and do everything right and try to improve every day.

"But for Neto, how he approached this season. How he is as a person and how hard he's worked. He knows what's expected of him and he can grow from that. He's been exceptional."

'Exceptional' Neto Borges has thrived for Middlesbrough this season after Kim Hellberg U-turn

After finding his way back into the Boro side, Borges has thrived and reminded supporters at the Riverside exactly why he was brought to the club in the first place over a couple of years ago.

The Brazilian has made almost everyone forget about the departure of Matt Targett, who also thrived during his loan spell with the club last season, having started nine out of the 11 Championship games thus far, whilst being used as a substitute in the other two.

It's become wildly apparent that Borges is one of Boro's key performers right now, and one of the first names on the team sheet on a weekly basis.

Borges put the ball into his own net against Stoke City, but prodded home from close range late on to hand Boro a crucial 3-2 away victory, with that game summing up the 30-year-old's character and ability to bounce back quickly from disappointment.

Having gone from outcast under Edwards to a crucial member of the squad under Hellberg, Borges' character has allowed him a second chance at life in the North East, and if Boro are to achieve anything this season, then the Brazilian will be crucial to those efforts.

What have you made of Neto Borges' reintroduction into the Middlesbrough side this season? Share your thoughts below!

Though Max Arfsten joined Boro in the summer from Columbus Crew for around $7.5 million (£5.6 million), the left-sided player has more often than not found himself behind Borges in the pecking order.

It's clear that the Brazilian is highly regarded by Hellberg, especially after recent comments, and if Boro are to finally end their decade-long wait for a return to the top flight, he will surely have played a crucial role.

Time will tell whether Hellberg's decision to reintroduce Borges to the Boro squad will be truly vindicated, but for now, it looks to be an inspired choice.