Ivory Coast have played thrice, won one and lost two, but the performances of their young Right Back Serge Aurier have been mouth-watering. The 21 year old Toulouse defender has taken the responsibility to drive his team forward from the flanks and has by far overshadowed many young players in his as well as other teams, especially in his position. Arsenal have been rumoured to be interested in him for a long time, and reports recently emerged suggesting that the Ivorian has agreed a 5 year deal with the Gunners.
Stat Attack: Is Aurier the complete full back?
You name it and he has it. Serge Aurier has all the attributes that one would look in a top quality full back. He can attack, he can defend, he has pace, he can pass, he can tackle and he can read the game well to intercept. He is young and has a lot of potential to become the World’s best Right Back in a few years’ time, when he could also get goals to his name.
Serge Aurier’s stats in these three World Cup games are devastatingly good. He has a tally of 2 assists, 4 chances created, 86%pass completion, 9 interceptions, 7/9 tackles won, 6 successful take-ons with 75%success rate. Squawka stats prove that he has been a tough lad for The Elephants leaving Arsenal with no choice but to sign him. After all, the right back has been performing in the same throughout the Ligue 1 season with Toulouse. Add to that the experience of playing in the World Cup can be vital for the Gunners.
Aurier is definitely the complete full back as he has all the attributes that one would ask for, especially in an Arsenal full back. He can also speak French! With the likes of Olivier Giroud and possible a new central striker, he can effectively prove to be the player who restores the balance between Arsenal’s standard passing game and direct play. Aurier would fit into the Arsenal team without any doubt, especially as he is youthful and has energy to make seamless runs into space becoming a playmaker’s delight.
Mesut Ozil will finally get the legs in the wings, that he missed regularly with the injury to Walcott. With both Walcott and Aurier playing down the right wing, Arsenal can have a whirlwind in that flank ready to blow opponents away.
We had previously compared Aurier’s stats with the Premier League’s best Rb’s namely Coleman, Zabaleta, Sagna and Ivanovic and arrived at the conclusion that he is almost better than any other right backs, who played in the EPL last season. While, stats doesn’t show a clear picture of his true ability, his performances with Ivory Coast in the biggest of stages speaks volume of his ability.
Final Verdict
Is he a gamble or a safe bet? – A safe bet as he is a proven performer.
Is he worth his valuation, £8million – Definitely, as he is one of the best Right Backs out there and also at such a tender age.
stats via squawka
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