Revitalised Reguilon can boost Brentford's survival bid

New Brentford signing Sergio Reguilon has been around the block over the last couple of years.

The Tottenham left-back spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, before another temporary move at Manchester United in the first half of this campaign.

And he is now embarking on a third loan spell, this time with the Bees.

Ahead of the his new club's clash with Nottingham Forest, we consider what Reguilon could offer a team in need of some revitalisation.

Mutually beneficial

This deal is undoubtedly convenient for Reguilon from a location perspective.

He will be able to stay in London, rather than making the trek to Manchester or Madrid as was previously the case.

That could help a player who has been unable to settle anywhere of late.

Reguilon may also benefit from a significant drop in expectation levels, with the pressure at United and Atletico incomparable to what he is likely to experience in West London.

Nonetheless, the Spaniard has been brought in to boost a team sliding perilously towards the relegation zone after a run of five straight league defeats.

He arrives with real pedigree despite his recent struggles — a CV that includes Real Madrid, Sevilla, Tottenham, Atletico and United can never be sniffed at.

A slight drop in level could help Reguilon return to the heights that earned him six caps for Spain, as well as moves to some of Europe's biggest clubs.

Attacking intent

For Brentford, the hope will be that Reguilon provides an attacking spark on the left flank — something that has been lacking since Rico Henry's season-ending injury in September.

At his best, the 27-year-old is a threat going forward and technically excellent in build-up.

During his time at Old Trafford earlier this season, he ranked fourth among Premier League left-backs for chances created per 90 minutes (1.75) and third for attempted crosses (6.33).

In a Brentford side that is set to have Ivan Toney back leading the line after serving his eight-month suspension, Reguilon's creativity might become a real weapon.

Bees manager Thomas Frank said: "This is a very good signing for us. We've been talking for a while about how we need a good left-back and we managed to get a very good left-back.

"Sergio is a perfect fit for us — a proven Premier League player in every aspect. He fits what we want. He's very offensive, has a very good cross and a very good left foot.

"He's got the experience we need to complement the rest of the squad and he's a good character.

"We need him but I also think he needs us to show how good a footballer he is."

Plenty to prove

With just four goals scored in their last five league games, it is no surprise Brentford have brought in an offensive full-back.

The biggest question mark around the Spaniard will be whether he can improve defensively, with his vulnerabilities in that area occasionally exposed while at Spurs and with the Red Devils.

Much of that will depend on Reguilon's role within Frank's system — Brentford have typically played with a back five in recent weeks and that could mean the loanee is given more freedom to push forward.

What is not in doubt is the Madrid native will add necessary depth to a squad that has been stretched thinly during the first half of the season.

Reguilon looks like a shrewd addition for Brentford, as they head into a crucial game against fellow strugglers Forest.