Arsenal

Arsenal: James McNicholas compares Takehiro Tomiyasu with Nacho Monreal

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Image for Arsenal: James McNicholas compares Takehiro Tomiyasu with Nacho Monreal

The Athletic’s James McNicholas has compared new Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu to former left-back Nacho Monreal.

On transfer deadline day, the Gunners announced they had signed the Japanese international from Bologna on a long-term contract.

The 22-year-old played at right-back in his first appearance for his new side as Arsenal claimed their first victory of the season in a 1-0 home win over Norwich City.

Despite the defender impressing on the right flank, McNicholas claimed the new signing reminded him of the Spanish left-back Monreal.

While talking on the Arsecast Extra Arsenal podcast, he explained that both player’s solidity in the air was the reason behind this, saying (12:56): “I know we spoke about Bacary Sagna as a kind of defensive fullback first but Monreal was, I guess, another really.

“Someone who was just a very, very solid fullback, who was also pretty good in the air for his height.

“And I think Tomiyasu looks like that type. I mean, he just seems a very obvious and immediate fit.”

TIF thoughts on Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arsenal…

Having made such a poor start to the season – losing all three of their first games in the league – Arsenal desperately needed a win against Norwich.

Will Takehiro Tomiyasu be a success at Arsenal?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Fortunately, a solitary goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was enough to get the north London outfit all three points. Such a narrow win suggests that there was a certain amount of defending to be done, and that is where Tomiyasu seems to have impressed.

Indeed, the Japan international won an impressive seven out of eight aerial duels as he helped the Gunner’s keep their first Premier League clean sheet of the season.

Considering Monreal was part of an Arsenal team that won three FA Cups in four seasons, the comparisons certainly bode well for their new defender.

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