Kieran Tierney Is Just Getting Started At Arsenal
Left-back Kieran Tierney impressed on his debut for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.
Then last night the Scottish internationalist was once again a standout performer as he shone in his Europa League debut with the North London giants.
His first two outings in a red and white shirt have earned Kieran plenty of plaudits from the home support at The Emirates:
Now here’s the thing Arsenal fans, the boy isn’t even fully fit yet!
There’s more to come!
I’ve stated on here a few times in the past that Kieran Tierney has the potential to be a better left-back than Liverpool star Andrew Robertson.
Firstly he’s a better a defender. At Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp loves to push his full-backs forward but that at times sees the team being caught out defensively. Both Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been out of position at times and it’s cost the team (Granted not often).
Tierney (in my opinion) has more of an understanding when he needs to stay back and help out the rest of his backline. Arsenal have missed that from a full-back in recent years and it becomes particularly noticeable in the bigger encounters. Against the top four, Tierney should offer his teammates more protection at the back. He will run all day, make challenges and get in people’s faces. He relishes competition and you see that on the training ground as well as on the pitch. Other than Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira, The Gunners seem to lack that bite and desire to work hard for the team.
Another plus that Kieran has over Robertson is his adaptability. We’ve seen recently that Andrew has struggled in a Scotland jersey and that’s because he can’t get the same license to roam forward. Kieran can adapt his game. A big reason for that has been playing for Celtic, domestically he was tasked with making more runs into attack and in Europe he had to be more disciplined. KT is also a versatile player too. He’s obviously at his best on the left but if needed he can play over on the right and even in a defensive three as he can read the game well and make astute tackles.
Tierney is also very good when he goes forward. His crossing ability was on full show last night. He produced a wonderful assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s first goal against Standard Liège last night (Link to Bt Sport game highlights). He also links up well with those around him in the opposition’s half of the field. You’ll see him constantly offering himself on that flank and play neat one-twos with the more attacking players.
Another thing you really can’t fault with Tierney is his attitude. He wants to win and he wants to make the home support happy. He will give you 100% every time. He’s a twenty-two year old that’s living his dream and you sense that when you see him.
Gunners gaffer Unai Emery made point of mentioning the left-back’s positive attitude after last night’s win:
‘Kieran, after his injury, he’s coming back with a good attitude,’
‘Last week he played 80 minutes against Nottingham Forest with a good performance.’
‘Tonight is also a good performance. ‘I think were are a better competitive team with him and Sead Kolasinac at left-back. ‘We are happy with him.’
via the metro
At times in the past Arsenal’s defence have looked weak and lackadaisical. I don’t think Kieran Tierney will stand for that and you can be rest assured he won’t fall into that rut.
Arsenal fans should be very pleased because this is just the start when it comes to watching heroic displays from the Scottish international defender!
Posted on October 4th, 2019 by scott
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