He arrived in the summer transfer window without a single pundit’s endorsement and minus the usual bells and whistles, but Takehiro Tomiyasu has made a considerable impact at Arsenal.
Many thought the Japanese international would be eased into the side gradually, allowing the defender time to find his feet in a new team, in a new country, with a group of new teammates. However, it became clear very quickly that Tomiyasu wasn’t about to squander the opportunity or waste anyone’s time at Arsenal, including his own.
Arteta saw a player in training that had an incredible appetite for the game. Someone ruthless, tenacious and competitive for every second of every game. I think it’s safe to say that either by luck or judgement, the previous transfer window surpassed all expectations. Tavares, Odegaard, Lokonga, White, Ramsdale and Tomiyasu could currently be described as the best collective transfer purchases in living memory, with each showing why they have a place at the club.
In Tomiyasu’s case, he is essential at the back and provides additional cover for Benjamin White and surprisingly, he appears to be a more accomplished central defender than the former Brighton man. White is a genuine ball player and looks great going forward, but sometimes, his eye wanders and his positional sense deserts him, that’s when the Japanese full-back instinctively comes to the rescue.
Takehiro Tomiyasu v Manchester City [via YouTube]
pic.twitter.com/bfwH5GnXJp— Gooner 79 (@Arsenalgooner79) January 3, 2022
Tomiyasu is brave, he is strong and he has no intention of being second best in any challenge, in fact, if he is beaten to a ball, he’ll quickly come back to harass the impudent opponent. He is excellent in the air, he’s fast in attack and he is now adding devastating crosses to his repertoire.
All in all, it’s a toss-up between the Japanese defender and Arsenal’s number one Aaron Ramsdale for the new player of the year award. Both bring a winning mentality and fierce competitive edge to the proceedings which has been lacking in recent years.
For as good as Bellerin was for many years, he had started to fade in matches, he looked less of an obstacle with his speed limited due to injury. The Spaniard was never a natural defender and was more of a left-sided midfielder but the blistering pace at his disposal often saved the day. Without that, he floundered and looked less of a threat going forward.
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In a league that is known for its relentless speed, the Gunners needed an upgrade, it needed a player that could support the attack but also someone who could be more rigid in his defensive duties. Tomiyasu was perfect, we just didn’t know it when his name was announced by Arsenal.
It’s said that he’s not an RB or CB and that he had been offered to several Premier League clubs with absolutely no takers. This was something we commented on in a blog ‘Tomiyasu Making A Mockery Out Of Sky’s Kaveh Solhekol’. How those clubs must be regretting their decision because Tomiyasu is a star in the making and a key ingredient at Arsenal.
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