Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has previously labelled Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney "phenomenal", though his recent involvement at the club might suggest times are changing. The Scotsman has been rather frozen out by Mikel Arteta this season, having rarely been given the opportunity to impress.
The former Celtic man has been used predominantly as an option for the Europa League, with duo Oleksandr Zinchenko and Takehiro Tomiyasu preferred in the Premier League. The choice to start the Japan international in particular has raised eyebrows, having played mainly as a right-back since joining the club.
However, with the role at left-back changing under Arteta to move closer towards being an inverted full-back, the ability of Tierney has also had to adapt. "He’s been brilliant, inverted full-back, and that’s how we are playing down there, so I’m watching him every week trying to take tips from him," the defender said of his Scotland teammate Greg Taylor, who happens to play that exact role.
READ MORE: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sends sly Arsenal message ahead of Mikel Arteta reunion with Chelsea
"We watch each other’s games and always text each other after games," he continued. "It’s a new role for me and a role he is really comfortable in."
Amid a continued snub from the side, questions continue to hang over his head as to whether he will have a long-term place at the Emirates Stadium. However, there are clearly qualities that he can bring, something outlined by Ferguson not too long ago during a Lockdown Theatre Live.
Discussing both Tierney and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson, he said: "I do think Scotland have some very good midfield players, and I’m not sure how they’re gonna play Robertson and Tierney in the same team. I know there were some situations where they played Tierney as the third centre-back, but the form of Tierney since he’s gone to Arsenal has been phenomenal."
There will be hopes that he can return to that level, however questions will remain as to whether he can fit the current tactical style or whether a switch may be best for both parties.
READ NEXT:
Cedric starts, Bukayo Saka recovers, Gabriel Jesus risked - Arsenal predicted XI vs FC Zurich
Saka and Zinchenko return, World Cup doubt for Europa star - Things spotted in Arsenal training
Saka, Zinchenko, Elneny: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of huge Europa League tie
Edu given transfer redemption to finally sign ideal Arsenal midfielder amid Barcelona discontent
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
