Mikel Arteta has praised the “versatility” and “professionalism” of Takehiro Tomiyasu after a recent string of impressive performances for the club.
Tomiyasu endured a difficult year through injury and confidence issues which impacted his form, resulting in him falling down the Arsenal pecking order.
But the 24-year-old has bounced back stronger this season and makes an impact across the defensive line whenever selected.
🏆 Our Player of the Match against Sevilla…
⭐️ Takehiro Tomiyasu ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/tYQFZMW8vJ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 25, 2023
“Yeah, he (Tomiyasu) was terrific in Seville,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “I think he played a really, really good game when he came on against Chelsea as well.
“Tomi is a player that everybody loves in there. He’s always the first (in training) and he’s always the last out. You tell him to do something and he will give his life for it.
“He’s an exceptionally professional player who gives us a versatility and qualities that nobody else has in the squad. For me he’s a really important player.”
When asked to explain the value of his versatility, Arteta was keen to stress how difficult being truly ‘versatile’ is at the highest level.
“Every game has a different story and that means you need versatile players to occupy different positions when needed, that are actually comfortable.
“That’s something tricky because you start to train a player every single day in a different position, but then you demand him to play in a specific role.
“It’s challenging because you lack familiarity and physically the demands are difficult, but Tomi always adapts to this in a really natural way.”
I always love Tomi
A grand player.
He’s out Swiss knife like Blogs would always say- your Jack of all trades master of all.😀
Do the Japanese make army knives? If not maybe they should and get him to sponsor them. They should have tiny katanas popping up from one side, miniature nunchakus from the other… thats our Takehiru, he’s basically all four ninja turtles rolled up into one.
I said earlier that Tomiyasu is the most underrated player in Arsenal. He is our Mr. Versatility at the back.
Many have said Arsenal play doesn’t look as appealing as last season, but I think we are a lot stronger.
Zinchenko, Partey and Jesus missing in a game was unthinkable last season. Now, we can match the best EPL has to offer without them, thanks to Tomiyasu, Rice and Trossard/Nketiah/Kai.
This is why I have this sneaky feeling we will win the league this season.
Fucking amazing how good he is anywhere across the back four. He deserves to be starting games!
Tomi at LB, Zinny at left 8? It seems obvious to me..