Gordon Strachan says Kieran Tierney reminds him of Virgil van Dijk

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Kieran Tierney’s former national team manager Gordon Strachan reckons the 22-year-old reads the game as well as Liverpool colossus Virgil van Dijk.

The £25 million summer signing from Celtic could be set to make his Premier League debut on Monday, with Arsenal in action against Manchester United.

The ace was handed his first appearance for the club against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup in midweek and really impressed Gunners supporters.

Tierney’s quality is obviously well known to fans of Scottish football, and Strachan, who handed the star his first international cap, said (Mirror): “Kieran is seriously a wonderful kid and his understanding of danger is magnificent.

“He reminds me of Van Dijk in that way. The first time I watched Virgil and Kieran play, I thought, ‘Are you lucky, or are you brilliant at reading the game?’.

“I’d love to see some analysis on how many times he intercepts or clears the ball in the box. He’s more than just a good player – he has incredible spirit, strength, ability, and versatility, he’s perfect for Arsenal.”

TBR’s view

Strachan’s rave review will no doubt excite Arsenal fans, who were treated to a mere taster of Tierney’s ability on Tuesday.

With Sead Kolasinac having struggled to convince during his time in north London, Tierney’s arrival at the club is most anticipated.

There is a good chance he could feature from the start against United on Monday, and a strong showing will increase his already soaring popularity.