Takehiro Tomiyasu Player Profile: Arsenal’s Defensive Warrior
Takehiro Tomiyasu Player Profile – Arsenal’s defensive warrior, Tomiyasu, has become a key asset with his versatility and tactical intelligence. Since arriving from Bologna, the Japanese international has impressed with his composure, aerial ability, and adaptability across multiple positions. Whether as a right-back, left-back, centre-back, or inverted full-back, Tomiyasu continues to be a crucial figure in Mikel Arteta’s evolving system. Let’s explore his journey, stats, strengths, and what makes him one of Arsenal’s most reliable defenders.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Takehiro Tomiyasu was born on November 5, 1998, in Fukuoka, Japan. From a young age, his athleticism and determination set him apart. Initially drawn to swimming, Tomiyasu’s focus shifted to football after being scouted by Sanchiku Kickers FC, a local academy in Fukuoka. His talent quickly became evident, and he was invited to train with FC Barcelona’s youth academy in Japan—an early indication of his potential.
At the age of 11, Tomiyasu joined Avispa Fukuoka’s youth setup, where he honed his defensive skills. Despite early struggles with injuries, his resilience and dedication earned him a spot in the Avispa Fukuoka first team by the age of 16. In the 2015 J2 League season, he made his professional debut, becoming one of the youngest defenders in the league.
His performances in Japan caught the attention of European scouts, and by 2018, he secured a move to Belgium’s Sint-Truiden, marking the start of his European adventure. At just 19, Tomiyasu adapted quickly to the physical demands of European football, earning the club’s Player of the Year award in his first season. His ability to play as both a centre-back and right-back made him a highly sought-after talent, leading to a €9 million transfer to Bologna in 2019.
This move to Serie A was the defining step in his career, setting the stage for his eventual transfer to Arsenal, where he would establish himself as a key defensive figure under Mikel Arteta.
Move to Europe: Serie A Breakthrough
In January 2018, Takehiro Tomiyasu made the leap to European football, signing for Belgian Pro League club Sint-Truiden. The move was a significant challenge for the young Japanese defender, as he had to adapt to the physicality and speed of European football. However, his work ethic and tactical intelligence quickly earned him a place in the starting XI. During his first full season, he was named Sint-Truiden’s Player of the Year, showcasing his rapid development and defensive prowess.
His impressive performances in Belgium caught the attention of several top clubs, and in July 2019, Bologna secured his services for €9 million—a club-record sale for Sint-Truiden. Tomiyasu’s transition to Serie A was seamless, as he became a regular starter under manager Siniša Mihajlović. Despite primarily being a centre-back, he was deployed as a right-back in Bologna’s system, where his defensive awareness, aerial ability, and ball-playing skills made him one of the most reliable defenders in the league.
In his debut Serie A season (2019/20), Tomiyasu quickly established himself as one of the best young defenders in Italy, making 29 league appearances and contributing to Bologna’s solid mid-table finish. His ability to read the game, win duels, and distribute the ball effectively caught the attention of European giants. By the 2020/21 season, he had improved his offensive output, registering 2 goals and 2 assists while maintaining his reputation as a defensively sound full-back.
Tomiyasu’s performances did not go unnoticed, and in the summer of 2021, Arsenal came calling. Mikel Arteta, in search of a defensive full-back who could seamlessly transition between right-back and centre-back roles, identified the Japanese international as the ideal signing. After rejecting a move to Tottenham, Tomiyasu completed his £16 million transfer to Arsenal on deadline day (August 31, 2021). His time in Serie A had transformed him from an emerging talent into a well-rounded, tactically astute defender, ready to make his mark in the Premier League.
Arsenal Transfer: Mikel Arteta’s Trusted Defender
On August 31, 2021, Arsenal secured the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna for a reported £16 million, beating Tottenham to his signature on transfer deadline day. The move was part of Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar’s defensive rebuild, as Arsenal sought to replace Héctor Bellerín and bring in a more defensively solid right-back. Tomiyasu’s ability to play both right-back and centre-back made him a perfect fit for Arteta’s tactical system, which demanded versatility and positional awareness.
Immediate Impact in the Premier League
Tomiyasu was thrown straight into the starting XI, making his debut in a 1-0 win over Norwich City on September 11, 2021. From the outset, he displayed defensive composure, aerial dominance, and excellent tactical discipline, quickly cementing himself as a fan favourite. His standout performances in Arsenal’s wins against Tottenham (3-1) and Leicester City (2-0) demonstrated his ability to nullify elite wingers and provide stability on the right side of the defence.
Unlike traditional attacking full-backs, Tomiyasu’s role was more defensive-minded. He played as an inverted full-back, tucking inside to form a back three with Gabriel and Ben White when Arsenal were in possession. This allowed Kieran Tierney or Oleksandr Zinchenko to push forward on the opposite flank while maintaining defensive solidity. His ability to cover spaces, win aerial duels (averaging over 3 per game in his first season), and distribute the ball efficiently made him Arteta’s go-to right-back in the first half of the 2021/22 season.
Injury Setbacks and Role Evolution
Despite his strong debut season, injuries became a recurring issue. A calf injury in early 2022 sidelined him for several months, disrupting Arsenal’s momentum in their push for a top-four finish. As a result, Ben White was later shifted to right-back, while William Saliba emerged as a key centre-back partner for Gabriel. Tomiyasu continued to play a crucial role, but his appearances became more rotational rather than as an automatic starter.
Trusted Utility Man in Arteta’s System
By the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, Tomiyasu’s role evolved into that of a versatile defensive asset, capable of covering right-back, left-back, and centre-back. His one-on-one defending and aerial strength remained among the best in the squad, making him invaluable in big games and tactical rotations.
One of his most memorable performances came in October 2022 against Liverpool, where he was deployed as a left-back against Mohamed Salah. Tomiyasu completely neutralized the Egyptian winger, forcing Jürgen Klopp to substitute Salah early—a testament to the Japanese defender’s defensive quality.
Current and Future Prospects
As Arsenal push for Premier League and Champions League glory, Tomiyasu remains a key squad player. While Jurrien Timber and William Saliba are currently Arteta’s preferred defensive duo on the right, Tomiyasu’s ability to slot into multiple positions ensures he is still a trusted option. With Arsenal competing across multiple competitions, his presence adds depth, experience, and defensive stability—making him a vital part of Arteta’s long-term project.
Despite persistent injury setbacks, a fully fit Takehiro Tomiyasu is an asset any top club would want, and at just 25 years old, he still has plenty of time to reclaim a regular starting spot and further establish himself as one of the best defensive full-backs in the Premier League.
Playing Style and Tactical Analysis
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a defensive full-back known for his versatility, tactical discipline, and one-on-one defending. Unlike traditional attacking full-backs, he prioritizes defensive solidity over offensive contributions, making him a key asset in Mikel Arteta’s system. His ability to play as a right-back, left-back, or centre-back allows Arsenal to be flexible in both defensive and attacking transitions.
1. Defensive Intelligence and 1v1 Dominance
One of Tomiyasu’s standout qualities is his elite one-on-one defending. He rarely gets dribbled past, thanks to his exceptional positional awareness, timing, and body positioning. He thrives in high-pressure defensive situations, often nullifying opposition wingers by forcing them onto their weaker foot or into less dangerous areas.
Key Defensive Strengths:
✔ 1v1 Defending – Excellent in duels against tricky wingers.
✔ Aerial Dominance – Wins a high percentage of aerial duels (averaging 3+ per game).
✔ Interceptions & Positioning – Reads the game well to anticipate opposition passes.
✔ Tactical Discipline – Rarely caught out of position, ensuring defensive stability.
2. Versatility: The Tactical Swiss Army Knife
Tomiyasu’s ability to play across multiple defensive roles makes him a tactical asset for Arteta.
His Three Key Roles in Arsenal’s System:
🛡 Right-Back (Primary Position):
- Plays a defensive full-back role, allowing the opposite full-back to push forward.
- Acts as an inverted full-back, tucking into midfield in Arsenal’s 3-2-5 buildup shape.
🔄 Left-Back (Defensive Flexibility):
- Used when Arteta needs a defensive-minded left-back against pacey wingers.
- More secure in possession than other options, making him a safer choice in big games.
🏰 Centre-Back (Alternative Role):
- Comfortable as a right or left-sided centre-back in a back three.
- Provides aerial security and composure on the ball.
3. Ball Progression and Passing Ability
Although not known for his attacking output, Tomiyasu is a strong passer and ball carrier who thrives in a possession-based system.
Key Passing Strengths:
✔ Short Passing Accuracy (85%+ completion rate in the Premier League).
✔ Press-Resistance – Stays calm under pressure when passing out from the back.
✔ Switches Play Effectively – Can deliver accurate long balls across the pitch.
4. Weaknesses and Areas for Improvement
Despite his defensive strengths, Tomiyasu has some limitations, particularly in attacking play and fitness.
| Weakness | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Injury Record | Has struggled with persistent muscle injuries, limiting his game time. |
| Lacks Attacking Output | Rarely makes overlapping runs or provides crosses compared to modern attacking full-backs. |
| Not the Fastest Defender | Can struggle against extremely quick wingers in transition. |
🚀 Potential Solution: If he remains injury-free, Tomiyasu could develop his attacking contributions, similar to how Ben White has adapted to the right-back role.
Final Verdict: A Defensive Rock for Arsenal
Takehiro Tomiyasu is the perfect defensive full-back for a team that values tactical flexibility, solidity, and positional awareness. His ability to slot into multiple positions gives Mikel Arteta tactical freedom in big games, ensuring Arsenal maintains defensive balance. While he may never be a Trent Alexander-Arnold-style attacking full-back, his elite defensive qualities and adaptability make him an irreplaceable asset in Arsenal’s squad.
💭 Can Tomiyasu break back into Arsenal’s starting XI permanently, or will he remain a rotational option? Let us know in the comments below! 👇🔴⚪
Takehiro Tomiyasus Career Stats and Key Achievements
Club Career Statistics
Avispa Fukuoka (2015–2017)
| Season | League | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | J2 League | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | J1 League | 16 | 0 |
| 2017 | J2 League | 36 | 1 |
| Total | — | 53 | 1 |
Sint-Truiden (2018–2019)
| Season | League | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Belgian First Division A | 1 | 0 |
| 2018–19 | Belgian First Division A | 40 | 1 |
| Total | — | 41 | 1 |
Bologna (2019–2021)
| Season | League | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Serie A | 29 | 1 |
| 2020–21 | Serie A | 31 | 2 |
| 2021–22* | Serie A | 1 | 0 |
| Total | — | 61 | 3 |
Arsenal (2021–Present)
| Season | League | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Premier League | 21 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Premier League | 21 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Premier League | 23 | 2 |
| 2024-25 | Premier League | 1 | 0 |
| Total | — | 66 | 2 |
International Career Statistics
| Category | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Japan U16 | 19 | 0 |
| Japan U19 | 28 | 1 |
| Japan U23 | 10 | 0 |
| Japan Senior | 42 | 1 |
| Total | 99 | 2 |
(All as of March 2nd 2025)
Key Achievements
Club Achievements
International Achievements
- 🏆 AFC U-19 Championship Winner (2016) – Japan U19
- 🏆 AFC Asian Cup Runner-Up (2019) – Japan Senior Team
Individual Honors
- 🏅 IFFHS Asian Men’s Team of the Year: 2020, 2021, 2023
- 🏅 IFFHS AFC Men’s Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
- 🏅 Japan Pro-Footballers Association Awards Best XI: 2022, 2023, 2024
Tomiyasu’s Future at Arsenal and Japan National Team
🔴 Arsenal: A Defensive Future in Doubt?
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s future at Arsenal is now more uncertain than ever, following his recent knee surgery that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. While his versatility has always been a key asset, Arsenal’s current squad depth suggests that his role as a full-back is all but over.
With Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles-Lewis Skelly emerging as the four preferred full-backs under Mikel Arteta, Tomiyasu’s path back into the squad in that role appears highly unlikely. Furthermore, Arsenal are expected to sell both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney in the summer, but even with their departures, Arsenal remain well-stocked at full-back.
However, centre-back depth remains an issue. Beyond William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, the only natural backup is Jakub Kiwior, while the rest of the options are converted full-backs. If Tomiyasu is to have any future at Arsenal, it will likely be as a rotational centre-back rather than a full-back.
With his contract expiring in 2025, Arsenal may have a decision to make. If Tomiyasu is unable to cement himself as a reliable backup centre-back, a summer exit seems likely—especially considering Arteta’s push to strengthen the squad for Champions League and Premier League title ambitions.
Scenarios for Tomiyasu’s Arsenal Future:
✅ Becomes a backup centre-back – His best chance to stay at Arsenal.
✅ Leaves in the summer – If Arsenal sign a new centre-back, he may be sold.
✅ New contract extension? – If he proves his fitness post-injury, Arsenal could extend his deal for defensive depth.
Ultimately, Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal may depend on whether Arteta sees him as a viable centre-back option or if the club moves on and looks for a long-term defensive reinforcement.
Japan: A Race Against Time for 2026
Despite his struggles with injuries at Arsenal, Tomiyasu remains one of Japan’s most important defenders. However, with his recent knee surgery ruling him out for the rest of the season, he faces a tough challenge to return to full fitness in time for Japan’s World Cup qualification campaign.
Japan’s defensive core is evolving, and while Tomiyasu is still highly rated, his continued injury struggles may see him lose his automatic starting spot. If he recovers well and finds a new club where he plays regularly, he should still be a key player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final Verdict: A Crucial Crossroads for Club and Country
Tomiyasu’s latest injury and the changes in Arsenal’s squad have put his future in serious doubt. Unless he can secure a role as backup centre-back, he will likely leave the club in the summer. However, if he does recover well and adapt, he could still be a valuable squad player—but time is running out.
For Japan, staying fit is the only concern. If he does, he remains one of their most experienced defenders heading into the 2026 World Cup. If not, Japan may be forced to look for other options in their backline.
🚨 Will Arsenal keep Tomiyasu as CB depth, or will he move on in the summer? Let us know your thoughts! 👇
🔴 Takehiro Tomiyasu Merchandise – Must-Have Items for Fans!
If you’re a Takehiro Tomiyasu fan, here are some essential Arsenal-themed collectibles you can add to your collection! Whether you’re looking for a detailed figurine, stylish wall art, or a unique digital print, these Tomiyasu-themed items are perfect for any Arsenal supporter.
⚽ SoccerStarz – Arsenal Takehiro Tomiyasu (Home Kit – Classic Kit)
A mini collectible figurine of Tomiyasu in Arsenal’s iconic home kit. Perfect for display on your desk, shelf, or as part of a SoccerStarz collection.
🖼️ Arsenal | Takehiro Tomiyasu Framed Illustration Print Poster
A high-quality framed illustration of Tomiyasu in action for Arsenal, ideal for any Gunners fan’s wall décor. Available in multiple sizes and framed for a premium look.
🎨 Takehiro Tomiyasu Arsenal Watercolour Style Digital Print
A beautiful watercolour-style digital print of Tomiyasu in Arsenal colors, printed on A4 premium paper. No frame included, so you can customize it to your preference.
🔥 Show your support for Takehiro Tomiyasu with these Arsenal collectibles! Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just love Arsenal memorabilia, these items make great additions to your collection or perfect gifts for fellow Gunners!
Let me know if you want me to add more Arsenal merchandise options to the list! 🛒🔴⚪
Final Thoughts
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been a valuable squad player for Arsenal, offering defensive versatility, tactical intelligence, and resilience. However, his recent knee surgery, combined with Arsenal’s evolving full-back options, has put his long-term future at the club in serious doubt. With Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly now favoured at full-back, it’s unlikely Tomiyasu will regain his spot there.
If he is to remain at Arsenal, it will likely be as a backup centre-back—a role Arsenal still lacks depth in beyond Saliba, Gabriel, and Kiwior. However, with his contract expiring in 2025, and Arteta keen on defensive reinforcements, a summer departure is a real possibility.
For Japan, Tomiyasu remains a key figure, but his fitness issues could impact his 2026 World Cup role. A fully fit Tomiyasu is still one of Japan’s best defenders, but he needs a strong return to form post-injury to cement his place.
🚨 Will Tomiyasu fight for a role at centre-back, or will he leave Arsenal this summer? Let us know your thoughts! 👇🔴⚪