Sergio Reguilon has been a man on the move of late, the Spanish left back started the season with a troubled Manchester United where he made twelve appearances before being recalled by Spurs. Now Reguilon has landed in West London, at Brentford FC in an attempt to secure regular game time and assist manager Thomas Frank in steering his side away from the grasps of the relegation zone. So, what are the reasons for why this transfer could be beneficial to the Bees season?
Improved Squad Depth:
Reguilon to Brentford is a deal that couldn't come at a better time for a side who lack serious depth in the full back positions. For Brentford fans it must feel like an eternity since the club last invested in a full back so Reguilon's loan will be a massive relief. Thomas Frank hasn't had an easy ride this season, the devastating injury blow to Rico Henry was the start of his problems as several more players began to pick up knocks. Rico Henry was always a first name on the team sheet, a leader and experienced full back who was vital in Frank's system and the style of football he loved to play. However, with the Englishmen being sidelined, Frank has lost a lot of offensive quality down a depleted left hand side and has had to experiment to find solutions that wouldn't cause his team to play an alternate type of football.
Losing Rico Henry, offered Iranian international Saman Ghoddos an opportunity to step up for his club. Ghoddos slotted into the right wing back role whilst naturally right sided Mads Roerslev converted to left wing back so Vitaly Janelt could push into midfield. This is the setup Frank has played most games with which proved the issues Brentford had as arguably despite his impressive performances Ghoddos mainly plays in the midfield or off the flanks.
However now with the introduction of Sergio Reguilon, Brentford must feel they have strengthened this position massively. If fit, Reguilon can slot straight into the left full back role whilst players such as Kristoffer Ajer have returned to add more quality to the right side. Ghoddos is away at the African Cup of Nations where he has already collected two assists in Iran's first game of the competition so when he returns Brentford will gain more cover. The structure of the side is starting to come back and Reguilons's influence will be huge as if the Bees are to face anymore unexpected injuries, Frank will now not be short of players who can fill into the full back roles naturally as opposed to unnaturally.
Experience And No Expense:
Another reason Sergio Reguilon is a good deal to Brentford is for the level of experience he brings. Reguilon's resume is quite impressive playing for top clubs such as Real Madrid and Sevilla before flying over to England to have spells at Tottenham and Manchester United. He has proven himself not only in the Premier League and La Liga, but also the Champions League so as a player he knows how to face challenges in the toughest of conditions and atmospheres.
Reguilon was linked to Brentford in a recent press conference where one of the journalists spoke to Thomas Frank about the left backs return to Spurs. Frank jokingly replied by saying a player like Reguilon "is normally too expensive for us" and therefore a deal would be portrayed to media and fans as unlikely. It would appear Frank was just keeping his cards close to his chest as the benefits of this deal is the fact it's only a loan until the end of the season meaning there is low risk and overall, the West London club won't lose a large amount of money.
Thomas Frank was delighted with this deal he quoted "We need him, but I also think he needs us to show how good a footballer he is. I’m convinced that this will be a positive partnership”. Reguilon hasn't had the best of times in the Premier League but there is no debating he is still a fantastic left back; Frank clearly believes in him as a player and having this sort of backing from the manager will be massive for his confidence to hit the ground running.
Tactically Perfect:
Thomas Frank has proven over the course of his coaching career, that his full backs have a pivotal role to play in his team. Frank likes a full back who can drive his side up the pitch into dangerous areas where play can become more creative to break down opposition. Reguilon fits the profile Frank has been looking for since Rico Henry's injury perfectly. Reguilon is offensively better attributed than he is defensively and likes to get himself high and wide or on the overlap to whip in a cross.
In Thomas Frank's Brentford system, the full backs usually act as an outlet for when opposition teams press high. Before his injury you would often see Henry making bursts down the left-hand side so if the center backs were to come under pressure there was that ball to play over the top. Reguilon is a player who will have no trouble playing this role, he is quick, energetic and has good stamina to work up and down the left channel. At times it may seem like Reguilon will be playing on the wing as Frank utilities rotation between his wingers and full backs where maybe the winger drops to feet to allow the full back to push on into the vacant space. Reguilon also isn't afraid to take on a man and this could be very useful to allow Brentford to progress up the pitch and get in behind.
The only concern about this deal is Reguilon's defensive vulnerabilities however because Thomas Frank has been playing a back five of late Reguilon will receive sufficient cover down his side. Furthermore, Reguilon has an incredible work rate so if beaten he can recover fast and make a wingers job hard. This move is an interesting one but a superb deal nonetheless for a Brentford side who have been crying out for a new full back. Brentford are to face Nottingham Forest this weekend so Reguilon will have the opportunity to make his debut either from the start or off the bench. This game is a must win for the Bees so having a character such as Reguilon around the club may support them to find their identity again.
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