Opinion: Is Max Aarons the answer to the Spurs right-back problem?

One major issue for Spurs this season has been our defensive frailties, partially down to the lack of quality and consistency in the right-back area.

Serge Aurier has been inconsistent, to say the least, whilst new signing Matt Doherty has struggled to adapt to the back four formation. 

When we signed the 29-year-old Irishman for £15 million in the summer (transfermarkt), expectations were high for him after such good performances for Wolves. 

However, he has arguably been our worst player this season, meaning Spurs are in the market for a right-back yet again this summer and I believe that Max Aarons may prove to be the solution to our issues. 

Max Aarons, the current Norwich City right-back, has been phenomenal this season for the Canaries. He has been part of a side dominating the Championship and is now so close to promotion back to the promised land. 

Aarons has featured 39 times for them in the league (transfermarkt), meaning he has only missed one league game all season. 

This would be fantastic for the N17 squad, who have consistently struggled with injuries this season. To date, Aurier and Doherty have missed a combined 17 games through injury this campaign alone (11 for Aurier and 6 for Doherty). 

If you compare this to Aarons, he has had 0 injuries throughout the 20/21 season, proving his worth to his side (transfermarkt). 

Another reason why Aarons will help to fix our right-back issue is down to his skill. He has an average rating of 6.93 out of 10 per game, whilst averaging 0.7 tackles per 90 according to Whoscored

0.7 tackles per game is not incredible for a right-back, however, you have to remember who he is playing for. Norwich are top of the league and dominate most teams. This is shown as they average 58% possession this season (whoscored). Therefore, Aarons has fewer opportunities to make more tackles as they are usually in possession.  

If you compare this to Doherty, he has averaged 1.5 tackles per Premier League game, according to whoscored. However, we all watch Doherty and are far from convinced by his defensive capabilities.

Next season, I would love to have Aarons and Aurier together at the club. On his day, Aurier can be phenomenal, shown by his performance away to Liverpool this season when he pocketed Mane. 

He may have the odd mistake in him, but there is no doubt that he is better than Doherty. He would help Aarons fit in at the club, especially considering how welcoming Serge seems to be. 

Having Aarons at the club is perfect for now and for the future. At just 21-years-old, the Englishman has a bright future ahead of him.

Last summer, it emerged that European Champions Bayern Munich were interested in his signature (the Sun). This proves just how highly people rate him!

This summer, Spurs need to begin to rebuild, whether that is with Mourinho or without. I really hope that Aarons can help to start this North London rebuild with his dynamic skills and defensive ability.

He is already better than Tottenham’s current options and he will only get better from here. Daniel Levy, get the chequebook out and sign Max Aarons!

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