In an interview earlier this week, Arsenal fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu expressed his determination to regain his place in the starting lineup.
Injury problems meant that the Japanese international missed the start of the season, and Ben White was drafted in to play at right-back. Since then, though, Tomiyasu has returned to fitness and the player has stated that he will work even harder to get back playing regularly. Fans on Twitter are very much liking the player’s attitude:
Everyone has to earn his place in the team. I love Tomi, but Ben has been playing well so far, so stick with Ben
— Dayo (@Dayo8050) September 23, 2022
That’s the spirit!
— Che Karl Trump (@TrumpChe) September 23, 2022
Ben White has been great for us but i think Tomiyasu>>>
— bloodclat (@_denis254) September 23, 2022
Elite mentality 👏
— Ika Nasty_mane 🇳🇬 (@ManeNasty) September 23, 2022
Better than whining. Right mentality 👍
— Ben_Loves_Speed (@Low_downforce) September 23, 2022
Competition is the way to go. Nothing comes easy
— The Handsome Bokora🕊 (@MichealOkiro) September 23, 2022
He'll get his position back. It's going to be a big October when the internationals finish.
— James Nimarko (@JamesN1991) September 23, 2022
I like his statement…no complaints…just that he will work harder.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal_Fan_88) September 23, 2022
TomiCafu gonna take the league by storm, mark my words
— mainman.69 (@69Mainman) September 23, 2022
Tomiyasu will undoubtedly get more minutes on the pitch over the coming weeks. The Gunners have TEN matches in October alone, with a North London derby, a home game against Liverpool and four Europa League group fixtures all to come.
Manager Mikel Arteta will have to use the squad available to him to get through such a packed schedule, and Tomiyasu will certainly get opportunities to shine, as long as he can stay fit and available.