Arsenal: 3 reasons Kieran Tierney should be named future captain

At Arsenal and among the fanbase there are controversial viewpoints in abundance. Whether it’s an opinion on a potential new signing or that a certain player staying isn’t a total disaster, what is agreed on is very little. There are no such divides when it comes to Kieran Tierney.

In the midst of scouring the transfer market for new additions all across the pitch, whoever does join is sure to get the same treatment most new signings get.

As witnessed with Gabriel last season, his strong start immediately endeared him to supporters and he was heralded as being among the best central defenders in the country. While he has the potential to be, he began earning criticism as the campaign wore on and the fanfare died down somewhat.

That just hasn’t happened with Tierney.

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Arsenal: 3 reasons Kieran Tierney should be named future captain after signing a new long-term contract with Mikel Arteta’s side

Arriving already injured, as is customary at Arsenal, battling back from his hip surgery it didn’t take long before he was cruelly forced to miss the following 12 Premier League matches with a dislocated shoulder. Nonetheless, during his injury-struck debut season he won over supporters almost immediately.

Knee problems limited the Scot to 26 top-flight starts last time out, but his stock among supporters has never been higher. In other words, we love him.

The current captain has come under his fair share of criticism over the past 12 months. Disregarding his wearing of the armband, performances that were a significant drop off from 2019/20 have seen his stock fall in tandem with Tierney’s rising.

Named as the captain in November 2019 after Granit Xhaka was stripped of the honour following his ‘disagreement’ with the fans, the decision to award him with the armband stemmed, it appeared, majorly down to his talent. Flashy in appearance but not of the Patrick Vieira or Tony Adams ilk, from the outside at least it appeared to be a case of the best player taking over the mantle.

Now, as Tierney has committed his future to Arsenal long-term, the calls for him to take over the role once Aubameyang departs is universally agreed upon. Here’s why.

1. Kieran Tierney Shows Accountability

One of the biggest critiques of Aubameyang’s tenure as Arsenal captain has been his unwillingness to stand up and be accounted for during the toughest periods.

This was no more evident last season during the horrendous November-December winless run, where the majority of the pre and post-match interviews were conducted by the likes of Bernd Leno and Tierney.

Even with interviews on the club website it was rarely ever the Gabonese striker who stood up to explain the difficulties, provide reasoning or reassure supporters that the team were putting in every effort to stop the rot.

His interview in the build-up to the North London Derby was particularly tough to watch.

Tierney, on the other hand, never shied away from the responsibility. Not afraid to admit he and the rest of the side weren’t performing anywhere near the level required, such accountability goes a long way to showing your true character and endearing yourself to the supporters.

Arsenal need people like that leading this club forward.

2. Kieran Tierney is Leader by More Than Example

What we hear from Arteta about Tierney is that he is a shy character on the training ground, but far from silent. He isn’t someone to coast through training in second gear, every session is full throttle with absolute commitment.

"“I’m told the players told him to calm down a little bit,” Martin Keown told Stadium Astro. “I wanted to be at my best, and I think Tierney’s the same.”"

As for on the pitch, he leads by both example and vocality. He sets the standard for what should be expected of anyone wearing an Arsenal shirt, and he isn’t afraid to let his teammates know if they’re not pulling their weight.

His quality alone is infectious, with every sprint and tackle carried out will total commitment as well as obvious quality. While the ability of an individual does not determine their suitability to be captain, you don’t hand the armband to sub-par players. Tierney is an outstanding left-back and the man you want to follow into battle.

This attitude has seen him win over more than just the supporters, with Arteta stating he has the credentials to be captain one day.

"“I think he can be Arsenal captain as he has the respect and admiration of every member of the staff and every player,” said Arteta of the Scot “It is just the way he is. He does it in a natural way. “He is a really shy boy as well but he represents all of us in the club; all of the values that we want to instil and are in the DNA in this club.”"

There is no better, or more desired, candidate.

3. Kieran Tierney is Fully Committed to Arsenal

Joining two years ago on a five-year deal, he’s just penned another one.

This is a left-back who could play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. No hyperbole whatsoever, Tierney has every ingredient needed to be a regular feature at the very top.

To have this whole development pass by without any controversy, any fears over seeking a move elsewhere where his talent is more deserving, disagreement over wages or worrying comments in the media, speaks volumes of his commitment.

Not just a one or two-year extension, this is a long-term contract that cements his place as a focal point in this squad, a pillar of the team that will do everything in its power to push Arsenal back up the Premier League table and competing back in the Champions League.

Finding somewhere he loves as much as he is loved, his backing of the man in the dugout also reaffirms his unwavering devotion to this club.

"“I love the manager and working with him is an absolute joy.”"

Over the coming years all of the above will continue to grow and further instill him as an imperative cog in the machine. Despite coming off the back of the worst season in most supporters’ history, a player of his calibre is willing (wanting) to stay and turn the tide.

That’s loyalty we can all get behind.