Andoni Iraola has given his verdict on Max Aarons, following the full-back’s Bournemouth debut.
Bournemouth paid £7 million to sign Max Aarons from Norwich City a matter of days ago, and the defender was thrust straight into the action by Andoni Iraola. Aarons started Bournemouth’s opening game of the new Premier League season against West Ham United on Saturday.
Iraola had little choice but to name Aarons in his starting XI. With Ryan Fredericks and Adam Smith both injured, Aarons was the only senior right-back he could turn to. However, the 23-year-old acquitted himself well.
Aarons will get plenty of game time for the Cherries this season. As Iraola seeks to implement a more attacking, front-footed style of play at the Vitality Stadium, Aarons will quickly prove himself to be a natural fit for the Spanish coach’s vision.
However, Iraola was unsure about throwing Aarons in at the deep end against the Hammers so soon after his arrival at the south coast club.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, Iraola stated, “it was not an easy decision, because he hasn’t played pre-season games…I think he survived…I think we have to thank him, because for sure it has not been easy for him.”
Aarons ready to take his game to the next level with Bournemouth
Aarons does have previous Premier League experience, having featured for the Canaries in the top flight before on 70 occasions. Despite his age, he already has over 200 appearances in the top two tiers of English football to his name. He will have used all that experience to navigate his way through the match against West Ham on Saturday, to cope with his lack of familiarity with his teammates.
The former England under-21 international has huge potential, but perhaps hasn’t quite progressed as rapidly as expected in the last couple of campaigns at Carrow Road. Iraola and the Bournemouth fans will be hoping that Aarons can kick on and excel this season, following his fresh start in new surroundings.