Max Aarons & The Need for Competition at Right Back

Max Aarons & The Need for Competition at Right Back

For such an illustrious and successful club, we find ourselves in a position where there is now much to do, in order to regenerate a flagging empire. It is perhaps the unbelievable highs of recent times, which have made this season’s drop off so dramatic. The midfield has been highlighted as the area that requires most attention, with a plethora of names being linked daily. These last few weeks, how we, I have started to investigate what needs to happen in the defensive restructuring, as the final stretch of the season is primed to begin. There are major question marks over the future of Joe Gomez, Joël Matip and James Milner, whereas Calvin Ramsay is a mere teenager that may benefit from a loan. Even Kostas Tsimikas could be moved on this season, with only the strongest back four certain of their continuing employment with the club. Virgil & Ibou are the bedrock that should be bolstered in central defence, whereas Andy Robertson and our gifted first choice right back will surely remain as starting options.

Trent Alexander Arnold is the most talked about English player, certainly when considering top tier footballers. There has been an ongoing agenda against his form, when considering his inconsistencies as a defender. Time and time again, I have written how the system was designed to place him as a man that operates in higher positions, with a playmaker role very much driven into his game. With rock and roll football comes periods of sporadic performances, yet for a 3–4-year period, our homegrown talent stood alone as the world’s best attacking right back. The formation was moulded to enable the attacking instincts of our number 66 to shine. This year’s struggles have pitted Trent into a position that has not been common for him, therefore he has struggled alongside his faltering teammates. The coverage and support have often been not existent, which could lead to the reds looking to recruit a more defensive fullback, one which could push TAA back towards his best form.

There are two key elements that need to be addressed at the campaigns close. Energetic and aggressive players need to be ushered into our middle ground, that can once more see the reds outwork its opposition. The minimum number of players for that area, needs to be three, with each one possessing starting calibre qualities. Additionally, to this, the defensive line requires an injection of more power and more defensive minded bodies. I wrote recently how Levi Colwill would be an ideal piece for the left side, whereas there is a young right back at Norwich who could also become an ideal target.

Max Aarons 

Age – 23-years old (DOB 04/01/2000)

Current club – Norwich

Nationality – English

Height – 5ft 10inch

Weight – 69kg

Club appearances – 262 games

Club goals & assists – 8 goals / 18 assists

Total minutes played – 22,518

International caps & goals – 0 games / 0 goals

Transfermarkt value – €16m

With Norwich City struggling to jump back into the Premier League next season (they are currently 7th in the Championship), it does look like the time is right for Max Aarons to move on. With an exciting and energetic style of play, he could be that slightly more senior back up, that would allow Calvin Ramsay to move on loan. This season has seen either James Milner or Joe Gomez as the only viable alternatives to Trent, therefore with both potentially on the move this summer, such a move would make sense. The uncapped Englishman was once coveted by both Manchester United and Bayern Munich, with his pace and tenacious style catching the eye of major clubs. His style is more likened to a younger Andy Robertson, who arrived at Anfield as an overlapping left back. With all the ingredients and required experience in place, Klopp could absolutely mould the London born defender into the ideal variation to Trent, who could offer a little more depth in that area. With the potential for system adjustments (next season), it’s conceivable that both could operate down the right-hand side, with Trent’s ability to drift inside, tallying well Aarons’ desire to drive down the line.

With a contract that is due to expire on 30th June 2024, this is a deal that could be achieved for a reasonable fee. With so many high-priced names being linked, it’s clear that some smart business will have to be undertaken. For the transformation of the squad to be successful, we must be proactive with our targets, with so much uncertainty throughout the squad. Max Aarons is a player that must be considered, as it would enable the next Sporting Director to box off an area that most certainly needs addressing.

Steven Smith