Mikel Arteta has backed Kieran Tierney to become a future Arsenal captain and has praised the ‘humble’ full-back as a ‘natural leader’.
Tierney has been amongst the bright sparks of a disappointing first half of the season for the Gunners and impressed once again in the club’s 4-0 win at West Brom on Saturday, scoring once and providing an assist as Arsenal made it three consecutive Premier League victories at The Hawthorns.
The 23-year-old has established himself as a fans’ favourite since signing from Celtic and has won plaudits for his no-nonsense approach to the game, and Arteta believes the Scotland international has all the makings of a future Arsenal captain.
Kieran Tierney has created 15 chances in the Premier League since the start of December, more than any other defender in the league in that timeframe.
In his element tonight, literally. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/j5F8t5NzcH
— Squawka (@Squawka) January 2, 2021
“He can be Arsenal captain as he has the respect and admiration of every member of the staff and every player,” Arteta said. “He does things in a natural way. He is a really shy boy but he represents all of the values we want to instil and are in the DNA of this club.
“He is so humble. He came to Arsenal and it took him a while to adapt. He had a really bad injury and was away from home but he is a natural leader.
“You see how he behaves on the pitch and when he talks, he says the right things. He is exactly what we are looking for and I am so happy to have him in the team.”
Arsenal will be hoping to continue their recent momentum when they host Newcastle in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, before a Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on Thursday.
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