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Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe has hailed teammate Kieran Tierney as a “warrior” that’s a real driving force on the pitch for his team.

Tierney, who cost the Gunners £25million (Sky Sports) in 2019, has become an instant success at the Emirates Stadium.

The 23-year-old defender continues to go from strength to strength, emerging as a real leader on the pitch that looks a natural captain in the making.

He’s an attack-minded left-back with two goals and four assists so far this season in all competitions, while with his back to goal he’s aggressive with his defending.

The Scotsman is a nailed-on starter for Mikel Arteta’s side when fit, and his return in the past few games from a knee injury has been a huge boost.

Arsenal attacker Smith Rowe links up with Tierney at times on the left wing, and he’s praised his teammate.

“It’s a habit for me to come inside if I’m on the left wing. That’s also good for KT (Tierney) because he can then get high and wide,” Smith Rowe told the Daily Mail.

“Me and KT have such a good bond. We worked on it in training and were both buzzing after the [Tottenham] game. KT is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet but at the same time, he’s such a warrior. He’s a player who’s got everyone’s back and always wants to win.”

TBR’s View:

Arsenal’s dressing room doesn’t appear to be stacked with leaders from the outside, but Tierney is one of the exceptions.

The Tierney-Smith Rowe combination is one of several partnerships now starting to grow all over the park, and you can see the vision that Arteta is trying to carry out with his team.

The north London club need to try win the Europa League to salvage this season before starting fresh next year, and are facing a dangerous Czech outfit in Slavia Prague in the quarter-finals of the competition.