Arsenal writer James McNicholas has outlined when and where he expects new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu to play for the Gunners.
The north Londoners signed the defender from Bologna on transfer deadline day, and a lot was made about what position is the Japanese international’s strongest.
With Arsenal’s defensive frailties apparent at the start of the season – having conceded nine goals in their opening three league games this term – there is certainly room for a new man to step into their backline.
While speaking on the Arsecast Extra podcast, McNicholas outlined the positions Tomiyasu can play, before stating where he expects Mikel Arteta to use him most frequently.
He said: “He’s played a lot of different roles. He’s played [the] right-side of three centre-backs, he’s played left centre-back in a 4-4-2, he’s played left-back briefly.
“He has played right-back a lot. I don’t think is the case that we’ve got Johan Djourou filling in at right-back a couple of games. The season before last, he was Bologna’s right-back consistently.
“But I think he will play right-back for Arteta. And I think that might start as soon as Saturday.”
TIF Thoughts on Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arsenal…
Having seen Hector Bellerin leave the club on loan, Arsenal fans will no doubt be glad to know their club have signed someone who can come in and possibly become the first-choice option at right-back.
Will Takehiro Tomiyasu be a success at Arsenal?
Yes
No
With 23 international appearances to his name, the defender comes with good experience – however, he has played the bulk of his matches for Japan positioned as a centre-back (as per Transfermarkt).
While starting out in the same role for Bologna last season, he eventually moved out to right-back and made that position his own for the majority of the rest of the campaign.
It will be interesting to see if Arteta puts Tomiyasu into his side for Arsenal’s next game. If this is the case, the club’s fans will no doubt be wondering what specific job the defender will be tasked with and how exactly he fits into the team.