According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are still interested in securing the services of Kieran Tierney. The Celtic left-back is currently suffering from a double hernia as well as an Osteitis pubis problem. But, that hasn’t deterred the Gunners from weighing up a move for the Scottish international. Ornstein also believes the club is keen on signing a central defender as well.
In this article, however, we will discuss how Tierney’s potential addition to the club could impact Arsenal’s defence in this new season.
Emery could be forced to opt for a four-man backline
Unai Emery employed a three at the back defensive combination several times last season, especially in the Europa League. But, Tierney’s addition to the club could force the Spaniard to stick to the four-man backline, at least when he’s included in the starting lineup.
This is because Tierney is more of an all-round fullback rather than a wing-back, who can only offer extensive attacking support from the flanks. Indeed, the 22-year-old is capable of recovering the ball for his team while his aggression and speed make him a useful component on the far side. That means deploying a four-man backline could be critical if the Celtic star is to perform to his full potential in the Premier League.
Could Arsenal employ a right-sided overload?
Big teams generally like to employ a left-sided overload by starting with a relatively defence-minded right-back. Case in point, Premier League Manchester City, have utilised that method very well, by assigning a defensive role for Kyle Walker while the likes of Benjamin Mendy or Oleksandr Zinchenko have full license to move forward on the opposite flank.
At Arsenal, however, things could be different. Hector Bellerin will be returning from injury in this season. The Spaniard is the club’s first-choice right-back. But, he is an attack-minded fullback while Tierney, on the other side, is an all-rounder, who is well aware of his defensive chores.
That means the Scot will be more fitted to play the defensive role, forcing the Gunners to employ a potential right-sided overhaul in this new season.
More tactical versatility
While Tierney is a good fit for a 4-2-3-1 system, Emery, at his disposal, will also have Sead Kolasinac. The Bosnian international hasn’t lived up to his expectations since joining Arsenal. But, the combination of Tierney and Kolasinac can offer tactical versatility.
Unlike the Scot, Kolasinac is an attack-minded fullback and is a perfect fit should Emery employ a three-man backline. He can feature as the wing-back and provide width into the attack with his incisive runs into the final third. As a result, it will offer the Gunners with more flexibility in the tactical aspect of the game. Therefore, Tierney, no doubt, will be a useful addition to Arsenal this summer.
