Lee Dixon has shared that Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been ‘massively effective’ for the club, as he told Premier League Productions.
The former Arsenal right-back thinks the club’s new boy has showcased great ‘delivery’ and ‘strength’ since he was signed in the summer.
Tomiyasu arrived in north London on summer transfer deadline day from the Italian side Bologna, with Hector Bellerin heading out to Spain.
The right-sided fullback area has been a major problem for Arsenal over the years, but they may have found an answer with their new Japanese star.
Dixon was one of Arsenal’s greatest right-backs during his days at the club and he shared his thoughts on how Tomiyasu has performed during his first six months at the club.
“Well, I have sat back and I haven’t eulogised about him too much because I am very wary of players coming into the Premier League and starting well,” said Dixon.
“Then it being a bit of a struggle and that might happen with him. But he has been massively effective in this position.
“Hugely effective with his athleticism. The way he gets about the pitch. The understanding of the game. The delivery. His strength. Pushing players off the ball.
“He’s never in no man’s land. He’s never in between the two positions. I think his positional play can be worked on going forward because he is forward-thinking.”
The most impressive part of Tomiyasu’s game has probably been his defending and how strong he has looked at the back for Mikel Arteta.
If you include the goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale, then four of Arsenal’s backline was brought in by their current manager.
And Tomiyasu, Ramsdale, Ben White and Gabriel have all been top performers for the club this season, so the future does look bright in that sense.
Then there is the popular Kieran Tierney, who was purchased under Unai Emery’s stewardship and he could probably be the next Arsenal’s captain.
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