Ian Wright has claimed that Takehiro Tomiyasu can do ‘everything’ and is a player ‘missed’ by Arsenal when he’s not playing.
For large periods of the season, Tomiyasu has been out injured, with Cedric Soares having to fill his role at right-back.
In truth, since his return from injury, the Japan star hasn’t been at his best, with indifferent Arsenal dragging his performances down.
Added with that, Mikel Arteta has also used Tomiyasu at left-back, with Kieran Tierney out injured for the rest of the season.
Nonetheless, over the course of his time at Arsenal, club legend Wright told Premier League Productions, that he likes what he is seeing from Tomiyasu.
“He’s been magnificent,” said Wright. “Him as a player is one missed because of his versatility, not just his defending, but his attacking too.
“His defending one v one. Positional play. He sniffs out danger. He does everything. And he will always tries to play.
“Of course, Cedric has come in to do a good job, but no one was doing what he’s doing which is sensing danger.
“He is somebody we missed (when he was injured) and hopefully he’s someone we can get more out of because when he wasn’t there, we couldn’t function.”
TOMIYASU IS A PLAYER FOR ARSENAL’S LONG-TERM FUTURE
Arsenal are ending the season in a pretty frustrating manner for the fans and that is going to see them miss out on Champions League football.
There are many factors and issues behind why they have messed up in the top-four race, but their Japanese right-back isn’t one of their problems.
Tomiyasu is a player for the future, no doubt, and someone, if he can stay fit, can help them to the top-four next season.
But, of course, the emotions at the Emirates is still going to be raw because it seems as though Tottenham are going to secure a top-four finish on the final day of the season.
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