Takehiro Tomiyasu ready to play anywhere for Arsenal in order to get regular action
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has admitted he is willing to play anywhere at the back as long as that means he gets to see regular action.
The Japan international lost his starting berth at right-back to Ben White last term and also struggled with his fitness for most of the campaign.
Tomiyasu is finally back on his feet and has featured in both of the Gunners’ games on their pre-season tour of the United States.
He has had to play at right centre-back, left centre-back and left-back despite primarily being a right-back, but the 24-year-old does not mind as long as it helps him remain in manager Mikel Arteta’s plans.
“For me, it’s the same thing,” the Arsenal man told Football.London when asked if being played in many positions is a concern.
“I just want to be on the pitch. I want to play as much as I can and help the team. Which position, I don’t care.
“I haven’t spoken to the manager about it, I don’t know. I just want to help the team.”
Tomiyasu will not only have White to challenge for his spot next season, summer signing Jurrien Timber is expected to be the first choice in the position going forward given his attacking abilities.
The Japanese will also be up against Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Jakub Kiwior at left-back, while William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, White and Timber are centre-back options.
Nevertheless, the former Bologna star will be feeling confident of his chances and Arteta has a good selection headache to deal with next term.
Arsenal conceded 43 goals last term, and while only Manchester City and Newcastle United shipped less, their defence needs to be better next term if they want to mount a stronger challenge.
Man City conceded ten goals less than the Gunners did, and Arteta will be seeking a similar record at the back.
Tomiyasu and his teammates will have to step up, and the competition available should keep all of them on their toes.
The addition of Declan Rice to their midfield should also help provide much-needed steel and protection for the defence.
