Scotland international’s left-back Kieran Tierney was the driving force for Arsenal as they beat West Brom at The Hawthorns and Gunners’ coach Mikel Arteta believes Tierney has all it takes to be a future captain for Arsenal following the left-back’s star performance against West Brom.
One of Arsenal’s most consistent players in what has been a challenging campaign for the club, Tierney shone not only in his ability on the pitch but also in his character and determination with those two aspects of his game clearly highlighted in the 4-0 victory at The Hawthorns on Saturday as he scored Arsenal’s first with an outstanding run and finish and was influential throughout.
The outstanding Scotland international registered more touches with the ball more (95 times) than any other Gunners player, leading by example driving the visitors forward and displaying relentless energy on and off the ball.
Although Tierney’s first season in north London was beset with injury issues suffering hip and shoulder problems as he moved away from Glasgow, he’s now a clearly a settled figure accepted in the team and dressing room. Arteta is confident the 23-year-old can only continue to develop in stature at the club.
“I think he can be, because he has the respect and the admiration of every member of the staff and every player,” Arteta said, when asked if he can become club captain.
“It’s just the way he is, he does it in a natural way. He’s a really shy boy but I think he represents all of the values we want to install and that are in the DNA of this football club.
“He’s shy, he’s so humble as well. He came here and it took him a while, he had a really bad injury and he’s away from home, but he’s a natural leader.
“You see how he behaves on that pitch, and when he talks he says the right thing and it’s exactly what we’re looking for and I’m so pleased to have him in the team.
“In both phases [attacking and defensively] I think he can do really well. He can still improve but at the moment he’s a real threat in attack and he’s been really solid defensively. It’s the type of contribution we need from our full-backs.”
In contrast, Arsenal’s current sitting captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang again endured another difficult evening for the club in the Midlands as the striker moved to the left-hand side to accommodate Alexandre Lacazette through the middle, with Tierney overlapping on his outside, but wasn’t able to offer a sustained attacking impact.
This has led to the question arising about the Gabonese frontman that if he’s unable to set the example with his performances on the field as Arsenal’s marquee player, what leadership does he offer then?
Whilst the latest developments have shown that Tierney has the qualities of a natural leader, Aubameyang has not shown, especially of late, he possesses such qualities.
However, Arteta insists he’s happy with the 31-year-old’s work rate and application and that the goals will soon flow.
“I keep saying, we can’t keep putting all the weight on Auba’s shoulders to score the goals,” he said. “We need contributions.
“Auba had some chances to score on Saturday and it was the same in the last game or so, but I am so pleased because in the final third we looked lively and there was a lot of movement.”