In this review, we delve into Simon Collings’ take on Takehiro Tomiyasu, a player who has rapidly become a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s evolving Arsenal side.

The article, originally published in the Evening Standard, sheds light on why Tomiyasu is increasingly indispensable, and why securing his long-term contract should be a priority for the club.

Simon Collings’ recent piece in the Evening Standard, focusing on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s rise to prominence at Arsenal, brings to the forefront what many Gunners fans have known for some time: Tomiyasu is an indispensable asset to Mikel Arteta’s evolving side.

The article aptly coins him as Arsenal‘s ‘Swiss Army knife’, which is a fitting description for a player whose range of skills is as versatile as any multi-tool.

Collings captures the essence of Tomiyasu’s value by referencing Arteta’s own praises of the Japanese international’s adaptability.

Arteta’s claim that “we don’t have a player like him” amplifies Tomiyasu’s unique contribution to Arsenal‘s defensive setup.

He has the ability to fill in across the backline and recently shined at left-back in Arsenal‘s crucial 2-1 win against Sevilla, getting the Gunners’ Champions League aspirations back on course.

The article emphasises Tomiyasu’s one-on-one defending, a quality that Arteta and Arsenal fans alike value highly. It’s a fair point, especially considering how crucial such attributes are in the high-stakes games that Arsenal find themselves in, both domestically and in Europe.

Collings rightly predicts that Arteta’s ‘selection headache‘ is a luxury problem, one brought about by Tomiyasu’s continued excellence.

One can’t overlook the moment against Sevilla that Collings recounts, where Tomiyasu stopped a cross and celebrated as if he’d scored. It captures the defender’s spirit and love for the game, qualities that endear him to the Emirates faithful.

What elevates this article for Arsenal fans is its practical advice regarding Tomiyasu’s contract situation.

As Collings notes, the player will have a year left on his contract come the summer, and it would be prudent for Arsenal to secure his long-term future.

Given Tomiyasu’s role in key games, such as his part in Gabriel Martinelli’s winner against Manchester City, this seems like sage advice indeed.

Overall, Simon Collings’ article successfully encapsulates why Takehiro Tomiyasu is the versatile hero that Arsenal didn’t know they needed but now can’t do without.

For Arsenal supporters, it’s a reaffirming read that puts into words what many have seen on the pitch. It cements Tomiyasu’s place not just as a utility player, but as a finally-rising star in a squad brimming with potential.

Let’s all hope that injuries allow him the chance to continue to grow.