Takehiro Tomiyasu has lauded the impact Ben White has made for Arsenal this season despite dispensing the Japanese international of his right-back spot in the starting XI.
Speaking to Goal, the 24-year-old defender was full of praise for the England international, who this campaign has firmly established himself as Arsenal’s best right-back despite Tomiyasu impressing greatly in the position last season.
The former Bologna star shined as Arsenal’s right-sided fullback in his first season in England. However, Mikel Arteta has this year opted to play White in the position, a decision that has resulted in arguably the Gunners’ perfect back-four with William Saliba taking the vacant centre-back position.
With Gabriel Magalhaes retaining his spot with summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko being a revelation at left-back, Arsenal’s defence has been one of the best in the Premier League as the Gunners sit top of the standings at the halfway stage.
Indeed, whilst Tomiyasu has seen his starting spot taken over by White this campaign, the defender was complimentary of the England international, with the right-back saying: “You have to accept the reality. Ben White has been doing very well. He is fantastic.”
Tomiyasu added: “Of course, I want to play from the start. The only thing I can do is prove my value on the pitch and show what I can do. I just want to help the team. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing from the start or not. When I’m on the pitch I give everything.”
Tomiyasu will need a miracle to replace White in Arsenal’s starting XI
When White was first used as a right-back in pre-season, not many Arsenal fans expected the £120,000-a-week defender to be as good to replace Tomiyasu in the XI. However, once again the former Brighton & Hove Albion man shattered every expectation and has since made the position his own.
With the Premier League title now in sight, Tomiyasu will need a miracle if he is to somehow reclaim his position back from White. However, for Arsenal fans and pundits, the challenge will only see the two players further push themselves to new and exciting heights.
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