Report: Arsenal have a young talent who’s similar to Tomiyasu, but Arteta’s never used him yet

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Arsenal youngster Brooke Norton-Cuffy has been making all the right noises while out on loan at Lincoln City.

The young full-back has been at Arsenal since 2014. He joined the club as a 10-year-old and has developed brilliantly in the academy over the years.

Now 18, Norton-Cuffy is catching everyone’s eye, and his loan spell at Lincoln City, since joining them in January, is proving to be a hugely successful one.

The pathway to Arsenal’s first team isn’t easy but many believe he has what it takes to make it in the very near future.

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Brooke Norton-Cuffy is similar to Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu

The Athletic released an article today addressing Arsenal’s issue at left-back following Kieran Tierney’s injury. The Scotsman has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and the Gunners have a huge void to fill.

The interesting part of the article, however, is what has been said about young Norton-Cuffy, who hasn’t played for the Arsenal first team yet.

The report claims that the way the 18-year-old progresses the ball with his left foot from right-back is very similar to how Tomiyasu does it for Arsenal’s senior squad.

It has further been claimed that Norton-Cuffy’s attributes at right-back encourage Mikel Arteta and the way he likes to play, and the youngster will be an option for the club, whether that be in the short, medium or long-term.

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Tomiyasu is Arsenal’s undisputed first-choice at right-back and rightly so. The Japan international has been incredible for the Gunners since his deadline day move from Bologna, and as long as he’s fit, he starts for Arteta.

However, there definitely is a spot up for grabs in Arsenal’s senior side.

Cedric Soares has done very well in Tomiyasu’s absence and he deserves immense credit. However, the ex-Southampton man will turn 31 this summer, and Arteta may well decide to go with someone younger, just like he has done in multiple areas of his squad already.

After a hugely impressive spell out on loan, Norton-Cuffy could well be that player and if he’s anything like Tomiyasu, he will be a great fit in the Arsenal boss’ system.

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