Ashley Cole says Kieran Tierney is a "vital" part of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side.
Prior to the shutdown in March, Tierney had endured a difficult start to his time in England due to injury.
Since the restart, however, the former Celtic left-back has produced a series of excellent performances and was named Player of the Month for June by Arsenal fans.
His form was rewarded with an FA Cup winner's medal on Saturday when Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley, and a legend who played in Tierney's position for both sides believes the Scotland international has had a significant impact on Arteta's side.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup Final on the BBC, Ashley Cole said: “Before he signed, I watched a lot of videos of him at Celtic, and you could see the ability he had with the ball in every zone on the pitch.
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“He was comfortable, he could play out, he could drive past players, he could create, he could score goals.
“When he’s come here, I think being under Mikel Arteta has given him that freedom, he’s given Arsenal a bit of belief, and I think they were lacking someone that can defend in bigger games.
“I think he’s a vital piece to Arteta’s team."
Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has spoken of the 23-year-old in glowing terms, and he tweeted: "Delighted for Kieran Tierney."
Earlier this month, Sutton tweeted: "He arrived at Arsenal after carrying an injury for months and always needed time.
"The more games he plays the better he looks. If any player deserves anything from football for pure attitude, commitment and desire it’s him."
Tierney joined Arsenal for £25m from Celtic in 2019.
