Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has claimed he is "not satisfied" with his current role at the club, but has said he will fight for his position. It comes after a difficult start for the Japan international, who is yet to make a starting lineup in the Premier League this season.
All of his appearances so far have come from the substitutes bench, with his one start in all competitions coming in a Europa League group stage victory over FC Zurich. The 23-year-old was a key player last year for Mikel Arteta, playing as a deeper full-back that allowed the rest of the team to push forward.
However, injury troubles plagued the latter half of his campaign, with Cedric Soares often drafted in to fill his position. With the manager looking to ease him back into the side along with other returning faces, Ben White was moved to right-back instead and has taken the position for himself.
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When asked about White's performances there, the Spaniard said: "I think he’s really enjoying playing in that position, that’s why he’s been doing so well. I think it’s great for him, at his age, to be involved in other positions.”
That has come at the cost of Tomiyasu receiving fewer minutes, who admitted he was disappointed with his current role: "What is required in this league is quite high and I’m not satisfied," he said.
"When you look at the players selected as starters in the Premier League games, you will understand what is required to be there. I will work hard in order to get my position back." It could prove to be a warning to his fellow teammate that he has every intention of earning the shirt back.
While the 23-year-old may see that as a negative, his manager may look at it the other way. It's been a while since Arsenal have had such depth where there is competition for spaces in the team and a desire to push everyone further.
It could prove to be a big reason why the Gunners succeed this season if they manage to, with such a similar rotation system seen at sides like Manchester City.
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