Dutch full back Patrick van Aanholt has divided opinion amongst fans for much of his time at the Stadium of Light. Quick and decent going forward but his defensive inabilities often led the team to come under much pressure at the back. However, since the arrival of current manager Sam Allardyce, van Aanholt has improved significantly, not just at his defensive duties but also going forward too. He has recently been rewarded with a new four year contract and the fans who thought that a left back was a priority in the latest transfer window, are now wondering if Sunderland have a very capable left back at the club.
Signed by Gus Poyet in the summer of 2014 for an undisclosed fee, the former Chelsea man came in to fill the left back role vacated by Marcos Alonso who returned to Fiorentina after a successful loan spell and Andrea Dossena. Van Aanholt began his career well creating an assist in the 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion. His ability to turn defence into attack quickly was a pleasing aspect of his game however his defensive flaws were all too apparent. On too many occasions the defender would get caught out when attacking and leave space for opposition attackers to exploit and cause the Black Cats defence many problems. Coupled with various defensive errors, he did not fill the fans with much confidence.
After a shoulder injury kept him out for two months, his form did improve but by the time the 2015/16 season began his form once gain took a turn for the worse and eventually he lost his place in the side. When new manager Sam Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat after just eight games he immediately tried to make Sunderland harder to beat. This included dropping van Aanholt altogether or switching him to wing back in a five man defence. However, since the turn of the year, the work in which Allardyce and his staff have done with the Flying Dutchman looked to be paying off.
Since the turn of the year van Aanholt became more defensively savvy, positionally and tactically he seemed better as well as looking stronger in the tackle. He also added a further three goals to improve his seasons tally, proving that his attacking instincts had not being taken away from him. His upturn in form also lead to him being selected for the Dutch national squad and had other Premier League teams looking at him.
Near the end of last season he topped a poll conducted by local newspaper to see who supporters thought should be player of the year. Although he eventually missed out to Jermain Defoe he was not too far behind the Wearside goal scoring hero. Although he has improved a lot under Allardyce as indicated by the recent poll and the reward of a new contract, there are still aspects of his game that he must keep working hard on.
Patrick van Aanholt has time on his side and if he continues to learn he could become a dependable attacking full back at Premier League and International level. Maybe, just maybe, Sunderland for the first time in several transfer windows may not be looking at a new left back as one of their main priorities.
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