Versatile footballers in the modern game are far more valuable than the ones who can play in just one position. Luckily for Arsenal, we have plenty of players who can play in multiple roles.
Bukayo Saka is our most versatile player, followed by the likes of Cedric Soares and even Alexandre Lacazette who has often played as a number 10 this season.
The one player whose versatility is highly underrated is Kieran Tierney.
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The Scotsman gets all the praise in the world for being one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. However, people often forget how much of an impact he can have in the attacking third even when he starts as a centre-half.
Tierney was Scotland’s best player yesterday
Tierney has played as a left-sided centre-back in a back-three for Arsenal on numerous occasions and he has been brilliant. Andy Robertson’s presence means he has to play as a centre-half for Scotland, and he did that brilliantly last night.
The former Celtic man was arguably the best player on the pitch against Austria yesterday. He was solid defensively and his display higher up the pitch was far better than Robertson’s – even though the Liverpool man started the game as a wing-back.
The Daily Record gave Tierney’s display yesterday an 8/10 rating – higher than every other Scotland player.
They wrote: “Slotted in at the left centre-back role but was given licence to break forward in support of Robertson, which he did to great effect and at times was Scotland’s main attacking threat.”
Tierney vs Austria – Stats
The Arsenal defender had 67 touches of the ball, registered one key pass, attempted two crosses and six long balls. He also completed 100% of his dribbles and completely overshadowed Robertson’s display in the attacking third.
Defensively, Tierney managed five clearances, two interceptions, two tackles and was dribbled past just once in the entire game. He won 10 of his 12 ground duels as well – which is really solid for a player playing out of his natural position. (SofaScore)
It is no surprise that the Arsenal man was rated so highly for his performance last night. Hopefully, he can come back fully fit to lead our charge to go all the way in the Europa League in the coming months.
