Arsenal: 4 positives of Takehiro Tomiyasu transfer

4. Takehiro Tomiyasu is, Above All, a Solid Defender

Everything known about the 22-year-old comes from his time at Bologna where he hasn’t been instructed to attack full throttle or look for final third penetration. Is that because he isn’t strong in those departments, or because he hasn’t been asked to play such a role?

What we can decipher from his time in Italy is that he is a strong defender. His better attributes are much improved from those Arteta currently has to choose from.

Rarely ever dribbled past, he sits in the 90th percentile for dribblers taken on. That adds to total success rate of 57% per 90 minutes from last season, a full 27% greater than the next best Arsenal option, Bellerin. He was also dribbled past 0.43 times per 90, with Chambers the next best at 0.83. Tomiyasu also boasts the best pressure success.

In terms of passing his progressive numbers stack up greater than his teammates and his accuracy with both feet is huge bonus.

Also clocking up by far the best aerial duel success rate (64.6%) and interceptions (1.69 p/90) it’s clear his defensive numbers are much improved on those in the squad. Crucially, too, is that he is definitely faster than Chambers.

All of which is good, but is it enough? Being better than the right-backs at Arsenal doesn’t imply an immediate success or an improvement enough to warrant his signing.

We will have to wait and see on that, adding in the necessary time it will take him to adapt to the Premier League. Not an elite defender by any means, he’s also only 22 years old and with his best years to come.

What Arsenal have acquired, however, is a very strong passer of the ball, solid in all duels, progressive on the ball and a dedicated and willing worker. It’s a low risk move that has potential for a strong reward.

Welcome aboard, Takehiro!