Player Watch: Serge Aurier

[allatsea]

Another great performance. Well done Serge !

 

[1882andallthat]

Credit where credit is due another really good performance again this season. I've criticised some of his performances in the past when they gave warranted criticism.

I think the addition of Doherty this season has had a positive effect on him, he has risen to what was a serious challenge to him being an automatic first choice pick for that spot. The competition for places has been good for him.

 

[Matecheck]

I've been a massive critic of him but I am delighted to say I'm eating humble pie because under Mourinho's system he is looking fantastic!

Is it just his system, or have Mourinho and his staff actually done some coaching up?

 

[Shadydan]

Is it just his system, or have Mourinho and his staff actually done some coaching up?

Both

 

[TheHoddleWaddle]

Well done that player. He has to take alot of credit for concentrating on ironing out his clumsiness in play. Been really happy to see him play so well.

I think he benefits from how JM deploys the CM, they drop back in to cover the defense, which means players like serge don't have to panic so much about getting back. We look worse at the back when we play the Europa games as this doesn't happen enough.

Long may his re'serge'nce continue. I do hope Doherty finds some form too, its good to have those options.

 

[barry]

Is it just his system, or have Mourinho and his staff actually done some coaching up?

It's a bit of both. Serge always had the physical traits to be good, but he was mentally very rash sometimes. Now he's much smarter, and more calm in his play.
Our system is ultra defensive so all players will look better defensively. Everyone covers for everyone. He might look a tad bit worse without hoj, moussa and a winger whose got his back.

 

[Hoddlegenius]

Absolutely loving Serge V2 - he's been brilliant!

 

[holmesy]

I was one of the people wanting him gone..... This season tho, such a transformation and full credit to him. He's so strong in the air its unreal..... Its just his lapse of concentration that kills him sometimes... Perfect example in yesterdays game, he caught caught the wrong side of lacazette, however he did recover well..

 

[Everlasting Seconds]

When you read the early posts, maybe consider what you’re saying about Doherty. He’s moved to a new club and a new coach and probably learning to defend very differently to what he’s done before with very different players around him. Give him time.

Well, they are different players. I think many thought that when Doherty came in, he'd be the natural first choice and sort of rid us of the perceived Aurier problem. So he disappoints because many had the wrong expectations. But take Doherty for what he is, a fine rotation FB and not a given first choice, and you see that he is doing a good job.

 

[SlotBadger]

I believe having Ledley King as a defensive coach should not be underestimated for every defender in our squad. The guy was on another level, even with his fitness problems, mainly down to his positioning and decision-making.

Whilst Mourinho, our system, and Ledley King can probably be apportioned credit for Serge's incredible surge rise in form, none of that means anything if the player is not driven to learn and improve.

Someone said yesterday they'd not take Serge over Walker right now. In this form, Serge is better than Walker ever was. Strong shout, I know, but the only area he'd be "weaker" is his pace, and Aurier's no slouch.

 

[JCRD]

I think the biggest change is that he isnt being asked to attack as his primary objective which i felt was the case last season - perhaps because he was a bit rash defensively or because we didnt have Reggie to share that burden

I think that really is the biggest change, he was always having to run back into position and that led to rashness and perhaps unfairly being out of position when in fact he was being asked to go forward

He has been immense this season in my view

 

[Dirtysanchez6]

One thing I think has been massive in his improvement is moving away from that lopsided style of play/ formation! Left his side far to exposed and now he knows when to attack and when not too!

 

[Guntz]

New contract soon?

 

[hellava_tough]

Probably already been said, but brilliant defending from Serge just before the 2nd goal.

He expertly tracked the run of PEA and even if he had have simply hoofed the ball away from his opponent, it would have been good enough.

But the steal and pass was fantastic.

I'd encourage everyone to check it out on the Sky highlight video on YT.

 

[EQP]

 

[Laboog]

Not only the extra boost from Doherty competing for his spot but also playing consistently in the starting XI with SIssoko and Ndombele seems to be helping him. Those three have said in the past they are like brothers who calm each other and help each other. Having Sissoko every match helping him stay mentally in the game has to be helping.

 

[Frozen_Waffles]

Could be lots of reasons for his upturn in form.

The arrival of Doherty
Settling in the pl (finally)
Preferring Josés style

But for me, I think he has just matured, he is now captain of the ivory coast and he is coming into his prime, he seems to be taking his game more seriously. Maybe helped by José.

Which is fantastic for us because he was always a very talented full back, but he had a mistake in him. Now he is probably our best full back. Which would have been pretty hard to imagine a few years ago.

If you told me that after only a few months of the season I would be happy to see winks and Dele go and would want Sissoko and aurier to stay, I would think you were mad.

 

[fuzzylogic]

Glad he’s doing well, showed a side of himself after his brother passed away that many players would have just taken the easy way out and tbh I wouldn’t have blamed him. Great courage and heart, chuffed he’s playing so well for us

 

[Tucker]

Thought he was excellent tonight. Man of the match for me.

 

[SlotBadger]

Incredible turnaround. Maybe not quite as extreme as Sissoko’s because most people knew Aurier had lots of talent, but still hugely impressive.