THE SECRET SCOUT

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He’ll bring you his verdict in Sportsmail.

MAX AARONS AGE: 19 CLUB: NORWICH CITY POSITION: RIGHT BACK VALUE: £4.5M 2018-19 APPS: 29 GOALS: 3 WHAT HAS HE GOT?

LIKE his left back partner Jamal Lewis, Aarons was originally on Luton Town’s books but has now established himself as a reliable defender integral to Norwich’s promotion push. He is nicely built for a full back — 5ft 10in with a strong upper body — so he gets low when challenging. He shows a good understanding of his position. His defensive work is adequate, thwarting danger on one occasion in a game I saw by smashing a left-foot volley high and away. In the second half of that game, he was switched to the other side and coped. He tracked one run inside, matching his opponent stride for stride, then showed good positioning to intercept a dangerous through pass. A right-foot half-volley pass into midfield showed good technique and when he was required to cover his centre back he did so. I liked the way he turned his head to make certain he knew exactly where the opposition left winger was. He has a comfortable running style with adequate pace and realises the importance of reacting quickly when the ball is lost by his team. On the ball he looks fine and one perfectly-weighted pass led to a corner-kick. He looked happy to get involved in interplay and enjoyed the possession game.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

WITH Norwich playing with high full backs, he has to be cautious when making his forward runs. In another game I saw, when possession was lost in midfield an opponent took advantage of Aarons being caught supporting up field. But his energy to raid up and down the touchline is not in doubt. I have seen him twice now and I am impressed. For a teenager, he looks as though he has taken his opportunity in his stride. It may be that his future is in the Premier League and the Norwich management can only hope it is with them.