ALL ABOUT THE FOOTBALLER TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU

Beginnings in Japan: J-League and First Steps

Takehiro Tomiyasu was born on November 5, 1998, in Fukuoka, Japan. From a young age, he showed a great interest in soccer and began playing in his hometown. His talent was evident from the early stages of his training, which led him to join the youth divisions of Avispa Fukuoka, his first professional club. It was with this team that Tomiyasu began to stand out for his defensive skills and his talent for playing as a right-back, although over time he would demonstrate his versatility by also adapting as a center-back.

He made his J-League debut with Avispa Fukuoka in 2016, at the age of 17. In his first season as a professional, he displayed maturity and solidity, attracting the attention of several European clubs. His ability to read the game, his speed, and his strength in one-on-one situations quickly made him one of Japan's most promising defenders. The opportunity in Belgium: Sint-Truiden. After his time with Avispa Fukuoka, Tomiyasu made the big leap to Europe in 2017, signing for Sint-Truiden in Belgium, a Pro League team that had shown interest in his potential. His adaptation to Europe was rapid, and in a short time he established himself as a starter, standing out both defensively and in his ability to contribute to the attack with his runs down the wing. During his time in Belgium, Tomiyasu not only played as a right-back, but also began to show himself as a central defender with a remarkable ability to play out from the back. This versatility would be one of the defining characteristics of his career, allowing him to adapt to different defensive positions in the future.

• Date of birth: November 5, 1998

• Place of birth: Fukuoka, Japan

• Position: Right-back / Center-back

• First professional club: Avispa Fukuoka

• Current club: Arsenal (since 2021)

Despite being a defender, his ability to join the attack, contribute to playmaking, and his accuracy in long passes made him a very complete and attractive player for clubs in major leagues.

Consolidation in Italy: Bologna and his leap to the elite

In 2019, Tomiyasu took another leap in his career by signing for Bologna FC of the Italian Serie A. The Italian club saw him as a player with great potential, and in his first year in Serie A, the Japanese defender not only adapted quickly to the demands of the league, but also established himself as an undisputed starter. His great defensive ability, combined with his ease in joining the attack and creating plays from the back, made him stand out in a league as competitive as the Italian one.

At Bologna, Tomiyasu played for two seasons in which he stood out as one of the most solid defenders in the league, being praised for his technique, his ability to anticipate plays, and his aerial game. Furthermore, his versatility allowed him to play in various defensive positions, making him even more valuable to his team. In 2021, after two successful seasons in Italy, Tomiyasu made the leap to the Premier League by signing for Arsenal. The London club paid around €18 million for the defender, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history for that position. Since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, Tomiyasu has been a pillar of Arsenal's defense, winning over the fans with his professionalism, character on the pitch, and ability to perform at a very high level. Despite his first year being marked by some injuries, Tomiyasu quickly demonstrated his quality. In his first match of the 2021-2022 season, he became a regular starter and helped his team secure important victories. His versatility allowed him to adapt to both right-back and centre-back, and his defensive solidity was key to Arsenal's return to the fight for Champions League places.

• Bologna (2019–2021): 65 matches, 3 goals

• Arsenal (2021–present): Over 50 matches in all competitions

• Contributed in both defense and attack with his ability to win back possession and provide assists

• Considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League since his arrival

• Recognized for his tactical discipline and ability to neutralize opposing attacking players

Japan National Team and International Competitions

Since his debut with the Japan national team in 2017, Tomiyasu has been a key member of the squad. His first major competition with Japan was the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where the team reached the final, though they lost to Qatar. However, his performance in the tournament was outstanding, and his ability to adapt to the international level was praised by experts.

Tomiyasu has also played in the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, contributing to Japan's strong performance in the qualifying process.

Furthermore, he has been a starter in various friendlies and international competitions, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Asia.

Interesting facts and personality off the field

• He is a big fan of video games and spends his free time playing with friends

• One ​​of his football idols is Yuto Nagatomo, another outstanding Japanese defender

• He is known for his humility and dedication to training

• He often does volunteer work and supports social initiatives in Japan

Tomiyasu is still young, with a career that promises to be even more successful. With his defensive solidity, his ability to play in multiple positions, and his tactical intelligence, he is shaping up to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League and a key player for the Japanese national team in the coming years.