Why Arsenal should sign Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are said to be monitoring Ajax full-back Nicolas Tagliafico over a potential move. The Argentinian left-back joined the Dutch League outfit on a £3.5million deal from Independiente and has very much impressed with his superb performances down the flank.
He has since gone on to make a total of 15 appearances for the club, scoring 1 goal in that time. The left-back is tied to the Johan Cryuff Arena until 2022 but Unai Emery should definitely consider making the move for the 26-year-old. (Daily Star)
Arsenal are unbeaten in the league under Unai Emery after losing the first two games to Manchester City and Chelsea. The Gunners have since won every game they played barring the draw against Crystal Palace but there seems to be a growing issue in the left-back department.
In recent games, Unai Emery has been forced to field Granit Xhaka at left-back. Both Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac are unavailable.
Arsenal’s first choice left-back Nacho Monreal is now 33 years old and the Gunners are certainly going to need further reinforcements in the department. Nicolas Tagliafico would prove to be an able replacement for the Spanish full-back.
Though not a standout name in the market, the defender is neat and tidy in his displays. He was also a part of Argentina’s World Cup squad that failed progress far.
But individually, Tagliafico is defensively diligent and aware. Though he may not possess the explosiveness and the pace of Monreal, the Argentine is more than capable of gelling in Arsenal’s all-action side under Emery.
His passing is supreme, with the 26-year-old averaging a pass success rate of 85.9% in the Dutch League this season. He has also averaged 80.2% in the Champions League. He will certainly flourish down the flank for Arsenal and is more than capable of supplying the attack with a number of chances. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
The Argentine defender is also capable of chipping in with goals. He has scored 2 goals in 3 Champions League appearances while coming close on many other occasions as well. The Ajax defender is also capable of deputising in central defence.
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Unai Emery should definitely take the chance and make the move for the player. Not a lot of good full-backs are currently available in the market and the former PSG manager should not miss out on the chance to sign the Argentinian.