Aaron Lennon - An Old Fashioned Winger, Left Behind By The Modern Game

When Mauricio Pochettino arrived in North London last summer, Aaron Lennon was part of a small handful of players that seemed destined to be a hit in the Argentine’s energetic, ‘pressing’ system.

Leeds born Lennon was once an exciting, tricky winger, who burst on to the scene in 2003. Despite his limitations, which mainly consist of an unwavering favouritism of his right foot and the corresponding side of the pitch, he had the talent to suggest he’d one day be at the top of the game. 12 years on, he is training with the Spurs youth team.

Every commentator would raise their voice in expectation at the sight of Lennon receiving the ball. He was the young, exciting player of the mid-noughties. With his trademark haircut, eyebrows and bling-bling earrings, he had the look of a modern footballer.  

Once defenders began to work out his game, he was often shifted to the left – a side he clearly struggled on. He was by no means incapable of ‘doing a job’ on the opposite wing, but the switch would always render him less effective to the offensive effort.

The introduction of ‘inverted wingers’

In the last few years, the concept of ‘inverted wingers’ has begun to implement itself on the English game; leaving old-fashioned wingers like Aaron, at a loss to where they stand. The concept in itself is a logical move, shifting full backs onto their weaker foot and often testing the keeper from range.

But this period of footballing evolution indicated that the traditional English game was being left behind, and with it, any players unable to adapt to the game’s change in emphasis.

Lennon is far from the only player who’s one-dimension-itis has been somewhat highlighted by the game’s movements, in fact it has even seen traditional ‘goal poachers’ also being threatened with immediate extinction.

Being one-footed or one-dimensional will obviously leave a player with limited options, but it is not the be-all and end-all. Prestigious names such as Gareth Bale and Arjen Robben have proved this.

Loyalty

Lennon is also one of the few players in the modern game to remain loyal to their club. And although loyalty is obviously not a physical footballing trait, it remains an admirable quality in this day and age.

It could be argued that some players perceived ‘loyalty’ is purely mistaken for their lack of potential value in the transfer market. Put simply: other clubs aren’t interested.

But this is an unfair judgement, in Aaron’s case, at least. Not once has he made a fuss about his contract, wages or wanting to move elsewhere. This point is backed up by his reluctance to move on. On being presented as an Everton player, all be it only on loan, his facial features emitted a blank, apathetic expression.

Of course, Lennon isn’t exactly a seasoned pro when it comes to moving clubs – having not had to face the prospect since his move to North London as a teenager.

At Everton, Lennon was a revelation. He was let loose on his much-loved right wing and soon began to terrorise defences. His colleagues on Merseyside even openly admitted that they were envious of his work-rate, and he was having a hugely positive impact on the rest of the team.

You could hardly blame him for having a point to prove.

He ended his loan spell by tweeting his gratitude to the Everton fans, and emphasised how much he enjoyed his time at Goodison Park. And as a Spurs fan, it was great to see him playing regularly and enjoying his Football again.

Back at Spurs, it was widely accepted that the club’s current longest-serving player would make his move to Merseyside permanent – which, at the time of writing, is yet to happen.

An alternative to Kyle Walker?

In (what currently looks like) the unlikely event that Lennon was to stay at spurs, could he potentially be used as a right back?

It has long been noted that he has a respectable willingness to come back and help out in that department, and with question marks over Kyle Walker’s defensive ability, it isn’t against the realms of possibility that Lennon could still feature in the team.

The idea seems ridiculous, given Lennon’s clear attacking prowess, but with the width in Pochettino’s preferred system coming primarily from the full backs, this idea suddenly becomes feasible.

It also seems somewhat ironic how a lot of the problems in the current spurs side, stem solely from the lack of width and pace. Although Lamela, Eriksen and Chadli are certainly quick players, none have the blistering pace required to strike fear into the heart of opponents.

In fact, Andros Townsend is the only player in the squad – in a purely attacking sense – to possess anywhere near the kind of pace that the current squad sorely lacks.

The only other one has been left to sulk in the youth team. This may be seem a fair conclusion for a player who allegedly refused to swap wings in order to cooperate with the manager’s system, but Lennon is a player who knows his strengths.

Those strengths have the potential to at least momentarily provide a solution to one of the major on-field weaknesses which are causing points to be lost far too easily at the moment, for Mr. Pochettino.

There’s no doubt his best days are behind him, but as proved in Merseyside, he still has a lot to offer.