Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu recently extended his contract as a popular figure at the club, and many are aware of what he brings to the squad.
Whilst he has struggled with injuries throughout his Arsenal career, his intelligence, versatility and professionalism make him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta.
Tomiyasu’s upbringing in Japan saw him nearly sign for Barcelona’s La Masia academy, before eventually progressing in the J-League and later Serie A, and his professional conduct has been a standout feature of his throughout.
Former coach praises Takehiro Tomiyasu conduct during development
In an interview with The Athletic, an anonymous former coach of Tomiyasu, from his time in Japan, revealed that the defender would go out of his way to help his teammates feel comfortable in training.
“Tomiyasu would always get to training early in his days there to set up the pitch and also stay late to tidy up,” it is claimed.
“This coach says they asked Tomiyasu why he did that and the player explained that since he lived close to the training ground, he would use his extra time to help out, aiming to make things easier for his team-mates who travelled from further away.”
Although somewhat small gestures, these clearly went a long way in supporting his teammates, whilst also helping Tomiyasu develop the character and resilience needed to reach the top level of football.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was a keen trainer in the past
Although his training schedules may now be stricter given his injury issues, Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio, who brought Tomiyasu to the Italian side, revealed that he would train longer and harder than anyone else.
“He loved working,” Di Vaio claimed.
“He would arrive at the training ground early in the morning by himself because he had his individual programme. Then he’d train with the team and, after the main session, he would stay even longer to work more with the defensive coach on how he received and played long balls off both feet.”
It is this level of dedication which has helped Tomiyasu develop strong technique on both feet, and also helped train his tactical understanding of the game.
When fit, he is able to play anywhere across the back line, and is a player highly valued by Arteta for his work ethic as well as his outstanding ability, and he is a popular figure among his teammates and the Arsenal fanbase as a result.