Three right back options for Tottenham Hotspur to consider

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BARNSLEY, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Max Aarons of Norwich City holds the Sky Bet Championship trophy during the Sky Bet Championship match between Barnsley and Norwich City at Oakwell Stadium on May 08, 2021, in Barnsley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Dane house/Getty Images) /

Long term Tottenham target Max Aarons

Tottenham has had several long-term targets over the last couple of seasons, one of which is Max Aarons of Norwich City. Only 21, Aarons has 130 starts with Norwich City, including 3 in the Premier League.

The fullback played in 45 of the 46 matches in their title-winning Championship campaign this past season. Max played all but one minute of the 45 matches for the Canaries and only missed a game due to international duty.

Aarons was very good in those matches managing two goals and five assists from his right-back position. Those statistics are reflective of a player who likes to dribble, often from deep as he rarely is the one carrying the ball into the attacking third. With more key passes (1.4) than crosses (0.8) per match, Aarons looks for ways to be incisive despite playing under a lot of pressure as Norwich looked top layout of the back.

Defensively, Aarons really understands how to use his speed and short-area quickness to be terrific as an on-the-ball defender – something Tottenham is lacking. Aarons is adept at blocking passes and shots. He is solid in the tackle and is in the top 99% percentile in terms of being dribbled past for fullbacks according to fbref.com.

Yes, Aaron’s is on the smaller side at only 5’8″ or 1.85 m, but he is a willing defender and adds some things Spurs are simply lacking with his speed and on-ball defense. Currently valued at $22 million (£15.5 million), Aarons is not out of the ballpark in terms of cost but is contracted until 2024.

Of course with Norwich moving up to the Premier League, they will be looking to hang on to Aarons likely driving up his price if something is not worked out early in the summer. Young, aggressive, good technically as a defender, and downright fast, Aarons checks a lot of boxes.