Rico Henry’s absence is a big blow to Brentford, but it has opened the door for Aaron Hickey to recapture the buccaneering form of his breakout Serie A season.

The full-back initially made the switch from Scotland to Italy in 2020 yet it wasn’t until the 2021/22 season that the former Hearts man made a big impact in the Italian top flight as a flying left wing-back with the freedom to venture forward whenever possible. Something that looks to be re-emerging at a key time for the Bees now.

While Hickey has yet to register a goal for Brentford, playing as a left-back with the freedom to get forward for Bologna he was virtually prolific for a player in his position, scoring five goals in 36 league appearances.

Hickey got off two shots in the narrow Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal and during his Serie A stint, his shooting accuracy was one of his best attributes. During 2021/22, Hickey ranked fourth in Italy for goals per shot (0.24), with Pedro, Giovanni Simone and Atalanta’s Mario Pašalić the only players to be more effective.

It’s not surprising to see that Hickey also ranked second that year for the percentage of accurate shots he had on goal. 61.9 per cent of the defender’s efforts hit the target, something that only Lazio’s Toma Bašić (68.8 per cent) could do better.

Brentford could see more sharp shooting from the 21-year-old now he looks set to make the left side his own.

Hickey’s importance for Bologna in adding to the attack also included his key passes. During the game against the Gunners, the Scotland international provided one key pass, something he was doing regularly for the Rossoblù. Hickey ranked eighth in his side for key passes in 2021/22, providing 19 from his left-back, or left wing-back, position.

Another standout stat from Hickey’s time in Italy is something that has continued since – drawing fouls.

During the 2021/22 Serie A campaign, Hickey ranked ninth for fouls received (71) which is just one ranking spot ahead of where he currently sits in this year’s Premier League fouled table – Hickey has been fouled 11 times in the league (the same number as Yoane Wissa).

Considering how dangerous the Bees are from set-pieces, Hickey winning even more fouls going forward will be a big boost to the team – adding to just how much of a threat he can be marauding down the left flank.