Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is earning widespread praise for his stellar performance against Lens in the Champions League, solidifying his position in the starting lineup. Manchester United legend Paul Scholes commends Tomiyasu’s on-field presence, highlighting three key passes, three long balls, and his relentless defensive efforts. Scholes advocates for Tomiyasu to start in the upcoming match against Wolves, emphasizing his impact on the pitch.
Tomiyasu’s journey this season reflects his evolution from a rotational player to a mainstay in the lineup. Initially filling in at left-back for Oleksandr Zinchenko and later at right-back due to Ben White’s injury, the Japanese international has overcome early-season uncertainties. His outstanding performance in the 6-0 win over Lens showcased his versatility and offensive contributions.
The 25-year-old delivered a remarkable long cross-field ball leading to Gabriel Martinelli’s goal and provided the assist for Martin Odegaard’s volley, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Despite being substituted at halftime, Tomiyasu’s impactful first-half display has solidified his undroppable status.
Tomiyasu’s journey has been marked by overcoming injury challenges, including a knee surgery in March. Contrary to doubts about his offensive capabilities, he proved critics wrong with two sublime assists against Lens, showcasing three key passes and three long balls.
Valued at €25 million, Tomiyasu has not only earned his place in the starting XI but also emerged as a preferred choice over Ben White. Suggestions are made that due to his injury history, manager Mikel Arteta may opt to play Tomiyasu for an hour before introducing White as a strategic substitution.
