Mikel Arteta could use 'world-class' Arsenal player for the first time this year against West Ham - opinion

Arsenal take on West Ham United on Sunday, and Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his first appearance of the year in that game.

The Gunners are back in form after their slump. They’ve now won three games on the bounce, including a hugely impressive victory over Liverpool. Tomiyasu missed all of those fixtures as he was away on international duty.

Takehiro Tomiyasu Arsenal

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Takehiro Tomiyasu could play for the first time this year in West Ham vs Arsenal

Whenever he’s fit, Takehiro Tomiyasu is a very important player for Arsenal.

The Japan international returned from his injury in the defeat to Fulham on New Year’s Eve. He has since been away at the Asian Cup, where he helped his country go as far as the quarter-final.

Sadly, Japan were knocked out by Iran, and Tomiyasu has come back to North London ahead of the game against West Ham United this weekend.

The ‘world-class‘ 25-year-old’s return is a massive boost for Arsenal as Oleksandr Zinchenko suffered a calf injury in the game against Liverpool last Sunday.

The severity of the Ukraine international’s injury is unclear at this moment, but the fact that he had to come off at half-time suggests he is a doubt for the next game.

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Jakub Kiwior did well against Liverpool, but if Tomiyasu is available, we expect Mikel Arteta to use him for the first time this year against West Ham on Sunday.

Takehiro Tomiyasu Arsenal

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Tomiyasu will make Arsenal stronger

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s importance to Arsenal cannot be understated, but it has to be said that Takehiro Tomiyasu offers better balance to Mikel Arteta when he plays at left-back.

The Japan international is considerably stronger in defence when compared to Zinchenko. He’s fantastic in the air as well, and although he’s not quite on the same level in possession, he does a pretty good job when he inverts.

West Ham have already hurt Arsenal this season – twice. Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are both dangerous players, and the Gunners need to be careful with counter-attacks.

Tomiyasu’s return will definitely make them stronger in that department