Former Arsenal and Celtic forward John Hartson has claimed that Kieran Tierney is better than Liverpool's Andy Robertson.
Tierney joined the Gunners from Celtic for a fee of £25million during the summer transfer window, bringing an end to months of speculation.
Despite failing to yet make a single Premier League appearance, Arsenal fans have been impressed with the 22-year-old in the wins over both Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup and Standard Liege in the Europa League.
And Hartson believes Tierney is a better defender than Robertson, who is widely regarded as the best left-back in the Premier League.
“People talk about Andy Robertson. I would say at this moment in time he has better delivery but Kieran is a better defensive player," the now pundit told the Daily Record.
“Kieran gets low and defends well and he can also play as wing-back if needed.
“I watched Robertson when he was playing for Dundee United when I was covering the game and he was good.
“He went down to Hull and his career fizzled out there but Liverpool took him for £10m and now he is on fire.”
But Hartson feels that Tierney has what it takes to be a success at Arsenal in the Premier League, after overcoming an injury that saw him miss the start of the season.
“Once Kieran finds his feet he will do well,” he continued.
“Nobody wants to go to a new club injured and not to be playing.
“Kieran is a proud boy and he will be wanting to prove to everyone what a good player he is.
“He is worth £25m and he can excel in a different league because there’s a perception the Scottish league is just not as good.
“Arsenal probably got him on the cheap if you look at the fact Manchester United paid £50m for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“Also, average players are going for £30m or £40m and Kieran is certainly not average.
“Celtic could have held out for another £5m or so but it is still good money they have banked, especially due to the fact he has come through the ranks and hasn’t cost the club a penny.
“He (Tierney) made his second start on Thursday in a team that is trying to do something. I think Emery is trying to build something special.”
