Kieran Tierney will eventually help Arsenal back into the top four of the Premier League - that's the bold opinion from former Scotland boss Gordon Strachan as he paid the left-back the ultimate compliment.
Strachan reckons Tierney has all the defensive attributes to be an "incredible signing" for the Londoners.
And he says the former Celtic hero reminds him of fellow ex-Parkhead star Virgil Van Dijk for his defensive know-how in sniffing out danger.
Tierney made his Gunners debut in last week's Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest. The £25million Arsenal shelled out on deadline day down south was a record fee received by a Scottish club.
And Strachan is in no doubt it will prove money well spent, saying he has one key similarity to the man recently voted the world's best defender.
He told the Star: “Kieran is seriously a wonderful kid and his understanding of danger is magnificent.
“He reminds me of Virgil Van Dijk in that way.
“The first time I watched Virgil and Kieran play, I thought, ‘Are you lucky, or are you brilliant at reading the game?’
“I’d love to see some analysis on how many times he intercepts or clears the ball in the box.
“He thinks like a forward, so he understands what they’re going to do.
“You could have six attackers and just him, and Kieran could still sniff the danger and get the ball.
“So he’ll certainly help Arsenal get to the top four, absolutely."
Tierney, who has had to be patient after fighting back to fitness following hernia surgery in May, is now awaiting his first Premier League appearance. And he is tipped to start Monday's blockbuster clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
As far as debuts go they wouldn't come much bigger - but Strachan has urged Gunners fans to give the 22-year-old time to find his top form.
“Kieran will need a bit of time, he’s still a boy, but he’s an incredible signing for Arsenal," he said.
“He’s more than just a good player — he has incredible spirit, strength, ability, and versatility, he’s perfect for Arsenal.
“He mostly played at left-back or wing-back for Celtic, but he can also play just as well at left centre-back or on the left of a three, which is how Unai Emery has got them playing just now.”
