By Daniel Finton (Deputy Editor)
What up, Pimps?
Welcome one and welcome all to the Finton's Frolic right opinion zone. Today I will be discussing the man who I talk about more than anyone in this series -- the man, the myth, and the soon to be legend; Kieran Tierney. The Scottish left back who wants it to be known that he doesn't get cold is not just a fan favorite, he's THE one. And for good reason. The former Celtic man is a phenomenal player and a breath of fresh air. He's the polar opposite to the modern-day professional. While I have no problem with guys having other hobbies and stuff off the pitch, it is admittedly nice to have someone who appears solely focused on football.
What's more, however, is the fact that the still young defender has such a ridiculously high ceiling -- one of the highest in the team. It's obvious and indisputable that Tierney can and probably will be the Arsenal captain one day. He's a proper leader. He already leads by example with pure professionalism at such a young age. Also, I will take the praise one step further too. Tierney can also be the best left back in the world one day.
I ain't capping either. The 23-year-old excels in every avenue that the modern full back should. His ability to burst down the left in such a direct fashion dovetailing with his defensive capabilities is what leads me to believe such a notion. It may sound reactionary, but it's the truth. A truth that's hard to contest when one watches him dominate match in and out for the Gunners. It could well and truly just be a matter of time until one of the biggest sides in Europe comes in for him.
But hold your horses, that's neither here nor there. If Tierney is snapped up by a top side like a Bayern Munich, it won't be for another few years. They'll want him to grow. The same can be said with regards to him being rewarded the armband or the title of "best left back in the world." Wait. More is to come, but we should not rush greatness.
I know it's exciting to have an individual jam-packed to the brim with talent and professionalism, but the ever-excitable Arsenal faithful should be patient and trust in the process. The process of Tierney's growth.
While he could probably already do a job as captain, why rush it? Why not just accept the fact that we've got a really well-rounded player in the left back position? There's no need to add any additional pressure for the time being -- even if he would be able to handle it, and maybe even relish it.
I say we sheathe the player in a thick layer of bubble wrap and let him incubate in the proverbial growth tube of consistent game time as a constant, yet standard member of the 11. The more he plays, the better he'll get. Tierney just seems like that type of player.
Adding more pressure onto him, like the captaincy, could see the marvellous left back's growth hampered by too much pressure. The Douglas, Isle of Man-born defender could be expected too much of if given the armband now -- in truth, I think he's already asked of too much already.
It'll be interesting to see what Tierney becomes, and if he can live up to the lofty expectations of myself and others. The sky seems to be the limit for Tesco's defender. Could he be who people think of when "Arsenal left back" is brought up in any kind of discussion, or will he flatter to deceive?
Time will tell, but the player clearly needs to be well-managed as he's shown some injury proneness from the early stages of his career. The ball is in your court, Mikel Arteta. And it's also in yours, Arsenal fans. As the hit film, The Lorax (2012) once passionately sang, "let it grow."
Toodloo...!
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