Arsenal legend Alan Smith has compared Kieran Tierney to Ashley Cole and believes the Scotland international can become as good as some of the best left-backs the Gunners have ever had.
Tierney joined the Gunners from Celtic on Deadline Day for a fee of £25m, after claiming four league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups during his time with the Hoops.
A host of injury issues then prevented the 22-year-old from hitting the ground running with his new side back in August.
But after an impressive debut against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup a week ago, and an even better performance against Standard Liege in the Europa League on Thursday night, Smith is already comparing Tierney to Cole.
The former Gunners forward told the Evening Standard: “I’ve got to mention Kieran Tierney’s contribution [against Liege] because the way he has performed in his first two appearances for Arsenal suggest the left-back is capable of following in the footsteps of greats like Kenny Sansom, Nigel Winterburn and Ashley Cole.
“Swift, skillfull and tough, the young Scotsman’s crossing ability especially appeals.
“For any striker, it’s very handy to know when the ball is coming in so you can make your run with real confidence. Tierney doesn’t mess about.
“A sharp shift and whip has become a trademark already.
“It reminded me of the wonderful service provided by Brian Marwood in our 1988-89 title-winning season.
“Brian didn’t always feel the need to beat his man. He’d chop the ball inside before curling in a beauty, a move that created lots of goals that year for Arsenal’s No.9.
“And similar service from Tierney wouldn’t have escaped [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang’s attention.”
