Takehiro Tomiyasu has impressed Mikel Arteta with how well the defender has fitted in at Arsenal since his last-ditch summer transfer from Bologna, via quotes by football.london.
The Gunners paid £15.5m to sign Tomiyasu on Deadline Day after sending Hector Bellerin to Real Betis on loan. But the right-back did not arrive in north London until September 10 after spending the international break representing Japan.
Arteta thrust Tomiyasu straight into his plans after just one training session when Arsenal hosted Norwich City. The 22-year-old impressed on debut, tucking in as a third centre-half when in possession but not afraid to push forward.
Tomiyasu has proven to be tidy on the ball and has displayed his aerial threat with plenty of duels won. He grew into the role at Burnley last weekend and dealt with the Clarets’ direct style well. But his immediate impact off the pitch has also caught Arteta’s attention.
Tomiyasu fitting in well at Arsenal
Tomiyasu has impressed Arteta with how well the defender has started to build a rapport with his new Arsenal teammates. The 24-cap international has only been in north London for two weeks, but has already earned the squad’s respect.
“Well, I’m impressed more than the performance as well the way he has settled and gained everybody’s appreciation and the way he is,” Arteta said.
Tomiyasu will likely return to the Arsenal backline for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham after missing Wimbledon in midweek. Arteta omitted his last-ditch arrival from the matchday squad at home to the Dons in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Cedric Soares returned to the line-up in Tomiyasu’s place against Wimbledon, after losing the role to the Japanese talent. Arteta had favoured the Portuguese in defeats to Chelsea and Manchester City before signing Tomiyasu, while Calum Chambers faced Brentford.
Does Arteta have his new first-choice right-back?
Tomiyasu has given Arteta plenty of reasons to be pleased with the defenders’ first few weeks at Arsenal. He has come in and secured an instant role in the Gunners’ line-up and shown progression over his two appearances.
Building a rapport with the dressing room so soon will go a long way to proving himself as Arteta’s long-term first-choice right-back. Tomiyasu is seemingly matching what he is delivering on the pitch off it at London Colney. Positive signs for the Gunners at full-back.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
