3 reasons why Mikel Arteta must make use of Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney's future at Arsenal remains uncertain despite his ability as a brilliant and talented full back.

Since returning from injury last month, the Scotsman has featured on the Gunners bench a number of times but is yet to make an appearance. This will come as a shock to plenty of fans considering there has been moments where the side could have used someone of Tierney's ability.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was picked to start at left back in the 3-0 win over Monaco and Jurrien Timber is now back from injury but there are still three key reasons why Mikel Arteta must make use of Kieran Tierney.

1. Left footed left back needed

In the absence of Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber has filled in at left-back. While he is a very talented full-back and overall footballer, he simply does not work playing on the left flank of defence.

In the ten games Timber has played at left back this season, he has been dispossessed six times and made just ten successful take-ons out of an attempted 14 (71.43% success rate). He has also carried the ball toward goal a combined 498 yards.

In comparison, Arsenal's first choice left back Calafiori has been dispossessed just four times and made eight successful take-ons out of an attempted 11, giving him a better success rate of 72.7%. The Italian carried the ball toward goal over a total of 492 yards, doing so in 54 less minutes than Timber.

The differences are small, but it is clear to see that the Gunners profit more from a left-footed left-back. It is arguable that more is asked of a right-footer playing on the left side as they are required to cut inside and turn more to play the best pass, inviting more pressure from opponents. While Calafiori is absent, Tierney can step in and play that role as he can do the job in both attack and defence while having to do less than Timber.

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