‘The new Monreal’: Edu has delivered a masterstroke at Arsenal – TBR View

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It’s been a rollercoaster of a season so far for Arsenal, but the Gunners are set to end 2021 on a high note.

Arsenal spent Christmas day in the top four of the Premier League table and there’s much cause for optimism.

Considering the Gunners were bottom of the league at the end of August, it’s been a remarkable turnaround.

In hindsight, many jumped the gun – after all, August was just three games, two against top opposition.

Arsenal had plenty of players out, while new arrivals were still finding their feet at the Emirates.

And one player who’s made such a big difference didn’t even join the club until the international break.

That player is Takehiro Tomiyasu, arguably an early contender for Arsenal’s player of the season.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna for a reported £17million.

As he came from a modest club and set the club back a moderate transfer fee, he potentially went under the radar.

However, Tomiyasu was a cut above at Bologna and had already won upwards of 20 caps for Japan.

And four months on, the 23-year-old is a fan favourite at the Emirates.

Since his promising debut against Norwich, Tomiyasu has got better and better for Arsenal.

He’s made the right-back position his own and has played in every Gunners league game since arriving.

Indeed, the prospect of him being out injured has caused big concerns among some fans.

Tomiyasu has clocked up some impressive stats so far this season.

“New Monreal”, “110% every game”

Indeed, some Arsenal fans have compared him to the likes of Nacho Monreal, Lauren and Bacary Sagna in terms of quality, impact and consistency.

Edu and Arteta deserve credit for pulling off such a masterstroke in the transfer market.