Takehiro Tomiyasu: Arsenal’s Defensive Rock
"We are very excited to have Tomi with us for more years to come. He has huge qualities both on and off the pitch."

Key words
- Reliable: consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted
The goalkeeper is very reliable and rarely makes mistakes.
- Awareness: knowledge or perception of a situation or fact
His awareness on the field helps him make quick decisions.
- Aerial: happening or performed in the air
He is strong in aerial duels and wins many headers.
- Composure: the ability to remain calm and in control
She showed great composure when taking the penalty under pressure.
- Representing: acting or speaking on behalf of someone or something
He is proud to be representing his country in the World Cup.
Comprehension Questions
- Where was Takehiro Tomiyasu born, and when?
- Which Japanese club did Tomiyasu start his professional career with?
- Which European clubs did Tomiyasu play for before joining Arsenal?
- In which year did Tomiyasu join Arsenal?
Early Career in Japan
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a Japanese footballer who plays as a defender for Arsenal in the English Premier League. Born on November 5, 1998, in Fukuoka, Japan, Tomiyasu has gained a reputation as a reliable and versatile defender. His journey from Japan to Europe has shown his dedication, hard work, and defensive skills.
Tomiyasu started his professional football career with Avispa Fukuoka, a club in Japan’s J2 League. He made his debut in 2015 as a teenager and quickly impressed with his defensive awareness and strong tackling. His performances in Japan caught the attention of European scouts, and in 2018, he moved to Belgium to play for Sint-Truiden.
European Journey
Tomiyasu adapted well to European football while playing for Sint-Truiden. His ability to play as both a center-back and right-back made him an important player for the team. After one season in Belgium, he moved to Bologna in Italy’s Serie A in 2019. In Italy, Tomiyasu continued to develop his defensive skills and gained experience playing against top strikers. His strong performances in Serie A made him a target for Premier League clubs.
Move to Arsenal
In 2021, Tomiyasu joined Arsenal, one of England’s most famous football clubs. He quickly became a key player in Arsenal’s defense, impressing fans and coaches with his strong tackling, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. His versatility allows him to play as a right-back or center-back, making him an important part of the team.
International Career
Tomiyasu has also played for the Japan national team, representing his country in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. His performances for Japan have demonstrated his leadership and ability to compete at the highest level of international football. Arsenal fans appreciate his solid defensive skills, and he continues to be a crucial part of the team.
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Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- What qualities make a great defender in football?
- Why do you think versatility is important for a defender like Tomiyasu?
- How does playing in the Premier League compare to playing in Serie A or the J-League?
- What impact do you think Tomiyasu has had on Arsenal’s defense?

This article was written by Eddy
Improve your English communication skills by practicing with Eddy, a qualified and experienced native speaker.