Takehiro Tomiyasu reveals the Arsenal teammate that he fears so much

Arsenal’s talented right-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu, has revealed the teammate he dreads facing on the pitch, and it’s none other than Arsenal’s astute captain, Martin Ødegaard. Tomiyasu’s admiration for Ødegaard’s footballing prowess and intelligence shines through as he acknowledges the challenges of squaring off against such a formidable player.

In Tomiyasu’s own words, he expressed, “The player I’d most hate to play against would probably be Ødegaard, our captain. He’s very smart, he has very good football intelligence.” Highlighting Ødegaard’s exceptional qualities, Tomiyasu emphasized the captain’s tactical acumen and understanding of the game, attributing it to Ødegaard’s ability to read situations and exploit openings effectively on the field.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 09: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on March 09, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Furthermore, Tomiyasu admires Ødegaard’s positional awareness and knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates. “His positioning to receive passes, his ability to create openings, and his ability to score goals himself,” Tomiyasu remarked, reflecting on Ødegaard’s multifaceted skill set that makes him a formidable force in the game.

Having experienced firsthand Ødegaard’s brilliance since joining forces as teammates, Tomiyasu’s respect for the Norwegian playmaker has grown exponentially. He concluded, “I’ve come to realize how incredible he is since becoming his teammate, so I think he would be a very difficult opponent to come up against,” underscoring Ødegaard’s impact and stature as a player who commands respect and admiration both on and off the pitch.

Tomiyasu’s insights into Ødegaard’s abilities offer a glimpse into the admiration and mutual respect that exists within the Arsenal squad, showcasing the camaraderie and recognition of each other’s talents that contribute to the team’s success on the field.