After a long summer pursuit, Arsenal have finally done a deal with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic to sign long term target Kieran Tierney.

The Gunners have announced via their own website that the Scottish internationalist has signed for the Premier League club.

So what should Arsenal supporters expect from their new signing?

Well the player is a natural left-back. He might just be twenty-two years old but he’s already a mature performer. He took to first team football like a duck to water during his teen years. Kieran was unfazed by Champions League football and was strong and versatile in the international set-up with Scotland. He seems to conquer every challenge that’s put in front of him.

Obviously we’ll see a lot of comparisons between him and fellow Scottish internationalist Andrew Robertson. Liverpool lad Robertson has become a world class left back since his move to Anfield.

Personally I think there isn’t a big difference in quality between Robertson and Tierney. I think Andrew edges it going forward but I believe Kieran has a better defensive head on his shoulders and is a smarter defender.

Kieran is a tenacious tackler and a boy who’ll give his all for his club and his teammates. He soon became a hero at Celtic Park and I fully expect him to have a similar relationship with the Emirates crowd.

Now while I see Robertson as a player that’s more natural when he pushes forward, that doesn’t mean that Tierney can’t overlap and help out in attacking positions. The former Celtic man has a great engine and can put in fine crosses when in dangerous positions, so don’t expect him to just sit back.

Having that smart defensive brain, that might help his side if one of the centre-halves switch off. He’s also versatile enough to be used as a makeshift right-back or in at centre-back if he’s needed.

As a young player he has had a few injuries, his groin has been a particular problem and has seen him miss Celtic’s preseason. That being said the defender has still made 168 appearances in his last four seasons. That’s a lot for any young star.

Kieran is a player who leads by example and he doesn’t shirk from his responsibilities. He won’t go hiding if things get tough and The Gunners have sometimes needed that kind of personality in recent seasons.

In 2017 the left sided full-back’s performances in Europe earned him a place in Uefa’s breakthrough team of the year. That shows you the quality the player possesses.

I always look at the selling team and their fanbase when a transfer is completed. If their support are unhappy about a player leaving, then I see that as a big positive for the buying club. It’s safe to say that the Celtic faithful are gutted to lose Kieran and they actually think they’ve been robbed.

Gunners gaffer Unai Emery is very happy with his new signing:

We’re delighted Kieran is joining us. He’s a very talented player who will continue to improve. He increases our options defensively and I look forward to him joining our group.”

Arsenal.com

I believe Arsenal have got a really top player and professional is Kieran Tierney. Their defence will be all the stronger with the Scotsman in the backline as they’ll have a passionate, young defender that will give the club everything he has!

Posted on August 8th, 2019 by scott
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