To imagine Kieran Tierney not being the first choice starting left-back for the foreseeable future a year ago was arguably ludicrous. Having signed a new contract under Mikel Arteta in 2021, many thought Tierney would continue as the club’s main starting full-back.
"Anyone who has seen him play will recognise very quickly that he is a player of huge ability, but I can tell you that he is also a player with a fantastic attitude and mentality," Edu said upon the signing of the Scot’s new Arsenal deal. "Kieran’s new contract is not just about the present and next season, it’s with a long-term vision and Kieran being an integral part of the future of the club."
It’s obvious that the situation changed for Tierney just 12 months after the signing of Nuno Tavares, as Arsenal signed another left-back in Oleksandr Zinchenko. The main cause being persistent injuries which left Arsenal short at the end of two consecutive seasons.
READ MORE: Granit Xhaka gives public lesson to Aubameyang to fit Mikel Arteta's Arsenal title bid mentality
When Arteta decided to move for Zinchenko, he opted for a player completely different to the more traditional Tierney. The Ukrainian offered Arsenal the ability to play with an inverted full-back that everyone can see has had a direct correlation with the Gunners’ dominance in games and subsequent strong form.
Tierney has therefore been on the bench for much of the season and was even behind Takehiro Tomiyasu for a period too. Arteta stunned supporters when he chose the 23-year-old over him to face Liverpool but to the coach’s credit, it worked.
"It’s been tough," Tierney said in October, the period that the Japanese international was keeping him out of the team. "I missed pre-season coming back from an injury, and the first game I played in was the Palace one – that was the first week of training that I had.
"I’ve just been trying to get minutes here and there, so it’s been a tough start, but whether I’m first, second or third-choice, I’m just going to keep working hard and see where it takes me.” He added, “I wouldn’t say [competition] motivates me more, as whether I’m the only left-back or there's five left-backs, I’m still motivated to play and to do well.”
"Day-to-day, nothing changes in my life, if I’m playing or not, I’m just working as hard as I possibly can. I train hard, and if the manager calls on me, I’m ready.
"I want to play every game possible, when you don’t play like all footballers, you’re disappointed but when you get your chance, you just need to make sure you go and take it."
With a match against Manchester City this Friday in the FA Cup, there is a good chance Tierney will come in for Zinchenko this game. Unless Arteta decides to throw all his eggs into the basket just two weeks before the Premier League face-off at the Emirates and throw Zinchenko in again.
Tierney has been learning the inverted role to some degree. He can often be spotted in the space between the two centre-halves and there was a great run driving at the Oxford United defence which saw him attack the box centrally.
It is these few and far-between opportunities that Tierney has to fight his way into contention. The problem is though that Zinchenko is just so good.
Even if Tierney plays to his best, his top performance in this new role isn’t going to be able to realistically match Zinchenko. Tierney has been linked with a move out of the club and before stating his happiness at Arsenal even saw Real Madrid touted as a potential suitor.
It’s not beyond the imagination to think the likes of Liverpool or potentially Newcastle would see Tierney as an opportunity. Arsenal too might see the Scot as something of a serious profit-maker from the approximate £25million they traded him for with Celtic in 2019 - especially after his five-year deal signed in 2021.
Tavares has done very well at Marseille and could also be on for a monetary winner in the summer. Meanwhile, Tomiyasu’s showings at left-back arguably give the Gunners cover along with the exciting young Lino Sousa who can also play in an inverted role and who continues to catch the eye of Arteta football.london understands.
An intriguing end to the season awaits for Tierney followed by an even more uncertain summer. A title-challenging side must make big decisions and the Scot’s future is almost certain to feature.
READ NEXT:
Five players on notice after Edu and Arsenal's January transfer plans are complete
Jakub Kiwior debut as Leandro Trossard, Emile Smith Rowe and Arsenal stars can start vs Man City
Four players who could leave Arsenal after Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior transfers
Find the footballs on the football.london website to win cash prize, vouchers and TV worth £3,000
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
