National media says 26-year-old Arsenal player was below par for his country last night

Add as preferred source on Google

One Arsenal player has received a mixed reaction from his country’s media after his latest international display this week, with one outlet claiming that he did not hit his usual heights on Tuesday.

Of course, Mikel Arteta will have been sweating over the fitness of a number of his players over these last few days. Arsenal will soon return to action top of the Premier League table in the three-way race.

One player who probably finds himself lower down the list of concerns right now is Kieran Tierney. Obviously, the left-back is out on loan this season, having joined Real Sociedad last summer.

Tierney himself is unsure whether he still has a future at Arsenal. But he will get the chance to impress this summer, with Scotland heading to Euro 2024 in Germany.

Kieran Tierney endures tough night for Scotland

Unfortunately for Steve Clarke’s side, they will not be heading to the major tournament in the best form. Scotland followed their 4-0 loss to Netherlands last week with a 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

They were dealt an early blow, with Andrew Robertson going off with injury. That led to Tierney’s role being changed. And his performance led to a mixed reaction from some of the Scottish media.

“Started as left of back three then switched to left-back in shape change. Sent in a couple of good crosses but didn’t hit the levels we usually see in a Scotland shirt,” The Scottish Sun wrote, as they gave Tierney a 5/10.

“Moved over to left-back after Andy Robertson’s injury and was one of Scotland’s brighter players, composed on the ball, quick to get forward and put in some decent crosses,” was The Scotsman‘s verdict, which came with a 7/10 score.

Arsenal future has a real question mark over it

In truth, it is hard to see Tierney playing for Arsenal again. It is a real shame because there was a time when it appeared that the 26-year-old was destined to become a future captain.

But the Gunners are a completely different team to the one Tierney signed for. And no role has changed more during his time at the club than the left-back position.

Ben White’s development does open the door for a more traditional left-back. Jakub Kiwior has performed fairly well in the role lately. And he does not suit being the inverted full-back in the way Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber would.

But Arsenal have so many options at left-back now. So it is going to take something special for someone to come in and stamp their authority on the role.

Tierney is an outstanding player at his best. But it may be best for all parties if he gets a permanent move elsewhere in the summer.

A superb showing at Euro 2024 will only help with that.