Arsenal fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu made his first start of the season in the 2-1 win over FC Zurich on Thursday evening.
While the Japanese international didn’t venture forward too often, he was extremely solid defensively, with the player seemingly back to peak physical condition following a number of injury problems.
Supporters on Twitter have been praising Tomiyasu, with some believing that the 23-year-old should be favoured ahead of Ben White for league games on the right-hand side of defence:
He’s rarely disappointed whilst fit tbh
— Q (@MotheiQuirk) September 9, 2022
Top performance.
— Ola¶ (@Sho_Eazy) September 9, 2022
He is sooooo much better then Ben White, how he doesn’t start I’ll never know
— Erik E (@erkilul) September 9, 2022
He was our best defender last season before his injury too
— Ahmad Nazri (@nazrisg) September 9, 2022
His passing with both feet 👌🏿👌🏿
— Masixole (@SixFuthi) September 9, 2022
I was shocked how Tommy played yesterday he played so well
— Mozkidclemz (@mozkidclemz) September 9, 2022
Defensively and Offensively very good, chef kiss long ball with left or right foot no problem.
— AL (@afcxzx) September 9, 2022
I want White and Saliba partnership then Tomi at RB
— Kvng_Dave (@OfficialDave21) September 9, 2022
After this weekend’s Premier League fixtures were postponed, it looks as though the fullback may get to start consecutive matches for the first time since last season, when the Gunners take on PSV Eindhoven.
Muscular injuries have plagued Tomiyasu’s first year at the Emirates but, if he can stay fit for a lengthy period of time, he could make a strong case for himself to break back into Mikel Arteta’s first choice eleven.