Rio Ferdinand says Kieran Tierney doesn’t have the quality to play in Mikel Arteta’s system at Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has only played 14 minutes for Arsenal this season, even though Oleksandr Zinchenko has been injured.
But Manchester United legend Ferdinand stated ‘I don’t think that’s Kieran Tierney’s bag’ to play the role Arteta demands from his fullback, as he told Vibe with Five.
Last summer, Zinchenko was signed from Manchester City, and like he did under Pep Guardiola, he played the inverted fullback role with ease.
That meant that Tierney’s game time was reduced, including being left out of the opening two Premier League matchday squads.
Ferdinand explained a possible reason behind that, as it seems the Scotsman could be heading for the exit door this summer.
“I just think the way your manager wants to play football, I don’t think Tierney is suited to it, if he is going to play the Zinchenko role,” said Ferdinand.
“He wants him to also go in there and also stop the counter-attack, but also be able to be in there and play.
“And provide the ball to the winger from a central position. I don’t think that’s Tierney’s bag.”
Tierney needs to leave
Back in 2019, Arsenal signed Tierney from Celtic for £25 million (Sky Sports) and he proved to be a very good signing for the club.
But as they have progressed under Arteta, and it has taken time, it has resulted in him being pushed further away from the starting XI.
It’s best that Tierney does leave this summer, with suggestions that David Moyes’ West Ham United are keen on the player.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
