“I don’t know why Arsenal fans don’t respect him but he’s one of the best players in the premier league”- Mikel Arteta was full of praise for sensational Arsenal star after his teammates recent injury concerns- Player who is the most versatile player in the squad- Not Saka, Not Rice and Not Saliba

Mikel Arteta praises underrated Arsenal defender amid William Saliba injury concerns

Mikel Arteta is thrilled to once again be able to call upon Takehiro Tomiyasu, whose versatility is proving a real asset for the Ar manager amid a mounting injury crisis.

The Gunners boss is likely to be without a clutch of key players for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth with the particpation Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard all in doubt.

Arteta revealed at his pre-match press conference that William Saliba had also picked up a knock that ruled him out of the midweek win over Brentford.

Should the France international fail to revover in time, Tomiyasu may well feature alongside Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, having impressed in both full-back positions already this season.

The former Bologna defender’s first two seasons in the Premier League have both been adversely affected by injuries, but now back in peak condition Arteta is thrilled to have Tomiyasu available on a regular basis.

I always say that I’m really confident the moment Tomi has consistency, because it’s going to be a tremendous asset for us,’ said Arteta. ‘He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline – we don’t have a player like him.

His defending is probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations. His principles and the way he applies them, the way he goes into duels.

‘Now he needs a run of games that get him physically at his best. When Tomi is at his best, we’re going to have a player who is going to be so important for us.

‘Especially the way he reads danger and the way he resolves urgent situations with a lot composure in the right way.

He is a skilled defender but the way his body is built makes him a really complete player who is really difficult to run past.

‘He’s always alert, he’s been raised and educated well and is always super focused. For our defenders, that’s a big attribute.’