Surprise figure played ‘important’ role in ‘world-class’ star’s impact at Arsenal

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Takehiro Tomiyasu reportedly settled at Arsenal after his move from Bologna thanks in part to a surprise figure at the club.

The defender joined the north London side on deadline day in 2021 with Arsenal making the decision to sign Tomiyasu after months of speculation that summer surrounding the Japanese international.

And after signing for the Gunners, it became quickly apparent that Tomiyasu was quite the player, with the versatile right-back making a real impact at Arsenal in his first season with the Gunners.

Arsenal therapist helped Takehiro Tomiyasu adjust

Yet according to the Athletic, Arsenal’s former soft-tissue therapist Takahiro Yamamoto played an ‘important’ part in Tomiyasu adjusting to life in England and to acclimatise to life in London.

Given the irony of how often Tomiyasu is injured for Arsenal, this connection with a former Arsenal staff member was seemingly important in the Japanese international succeeding in north London.

Indeed, Tomiyasu this week signed a new contract with the Gunners that could keep the defender with Arsenal until 2027, with the right-back a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium.

Lauded by Ben White as a ‘world-class’, Arsenal supporters will be delighted that Tomiyasu is staying for longer at the club, and fans will want to thank Yamamoto for the role the therapist played in helping the defender adjust to London life.

Takehiro Tomiyasu will be itching to return to action

It’s felt like an eternity since the Japanese international’s last appearance for Arsenal, which came on New Year’s Eve in a disappointing 2-1 loss against Fulham.

With injuries again playing their wicked role in Tomiyasu’s time with the Gunners, fans will be keen to see the defender return to action with the 26-year-old making the bench against FC Porto last week.

Indeed, the international break will offer Tomiyasu more time to recover ahead of the season run-in, where the fullback could play a huge role in Arsenal winning both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.