In the opening matches of the Premier League season, Mikel Arteta has made do without Gabriel Magalhaes by using Pablo Mari as the covering option.
Mari had performed well at the end of last season when called upon, with even some suggestions he and Gabriel could play together as the best partnership despite both have a strong left foot.
The Spaniard started against both Brentford and Chelsea but struck a frustrated figure as the Gunners conceded 4 under his watch.
He failed to deal with the pace and technical ability of Bryan Mbuemo and was bullied against Chelsea by Romelu Lukaku. In fact, the former Flamengo defender was floored as the Belgian opened the scoring at the Emirates.
Arteta dropped Mari in favour of natural left-back Sead Kolasinac. His inclusion against West Brom and then Manchester City was a significant criticism of Mari considering the Bosnian was expected to leave after a loan spell with Schalke saw the German side relegated.
Fortunately for Arteta, after the conclusion of the international break, Gabriel is expected to return and he, alongside Ben White, featured in a behind-closed-door friendly against Brentford. Mari also played in a back three with the two 23-year-olds but it was White and the Brazilian who shone.
Yet, should Gabriel suffer from further injury problems throughout the season, Mikel Arteta has a new option he can call upon.
Signed on deadline day, Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in a deal that could reach a figure in the region of £20 million.
The 22-year-old is a versatile player and one who is expected to prominently figure on the right-hand side of the Arsenal defence.
However, during the international break, Tomiyasu demonstrated his versatility by lining up for Japan in a left centre-back role of a defensive four. Partnering former Southampton defender Maya Yoshida, the pair kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.
Sei Muroya of Hannover was the designated right-back, a position he plays in for his club side. Tomiyasu’s versatility is a strong asset for Japan, and this will translate to Arsenal.
Should Gabriel face further fitness problems, with the plethora of right-back options still at the club, Arteta could opt to use Tomiyasu as a centre-back.
His confidence in Mari has clearly taken a knock and he has backed the likes of Cedric Soares and Calum Chambers in the past. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another option at right-back too.
From a supporter perspective, many hope that Tomiyasu though becomes the team’s primary right-back option. The acquisition already looks like a shrewd one especially considering the performances of some of the Gunners' other targets so far this campaign.
Norwich City is the first opportunity for Tomiyasu to show the fans what they can expect, that is however if he is given the opportunity to.
Where would you play Tomiyasu to get the best from him? Follow our new Arsenal Fan Brands Writer Tom Canton to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
