Latest Arsenal news takes a closer look at what the future could hold for Kieran Tierney after three impressive cameos during the club’s tour of the United States.
When reflecting on Arsenal’s US tour, Kieran Tierney has a strong case for the best performer award and this is despite not starting any of the three fixtures.
The Scotland international ɾєρօɾτed for pre-season earlier in the month amid increased speculation over his future after falling behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the left-back pecking order as well as being overlooked in favour of Jakub Kiwior in the final two games of the previous campaign.
Now, including the 1-1 draw with Nurnberg, Zinchenko hasn’t played a single minute of the Gunners’ pre-season thus far. Although despite being unavailable for selection against MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona over in the United States, his replacement in the starting line-up hasn’t been Tierney.
Instead, Kiwior, Takehiro Tomiyasu and £34million summer signing Jurrien Timber have all been given the nod at left-back with theArsenalnumber three getting the chance to stake his claim during the second halves. And, to his credit, he certainly made the most of those opportunities, particularly in the last two games.
He was impressive in a 45-minute cameo against Man Unitedas he not only operated as a traditional full-back, but did a good job of inverting at times too. Meanwhile, in the 5-3 win over Barcelona on Thursday morning (UK time)Tierney needed just 20 minutes to catch the eye with a solid defensive display and an assist for Leandro Trossard.
Judging by many responses from Arsenal supporters on social media, keeping hold of the Scot could turn out to be among the best piece of business the club get done this summer and the defєɴԀer’s three cameos Stateside prove he can have a big role to play over the course of the 2023/24 campaign.
What Mikel Arteta has said
“He is obviously in our ρłɑɴs,” the Spaniard toldfootball.london. “He came on and did really good in pre-season, not for the first, and this is what we want. To increase the level of competition in the team and raise the level of each individual. That is going to be a huge benefit for the team to get to another level.”
What Kieran Tierney has said
“It’s not really up to me,”he ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ when asked if he could leave Arsenal before transfer deadline day. “I’m happy, I’m working hard every day and getting minutes. I’m just trying to do as well as I can.”
