Mikel Arteta has hinted at increased involvement for Arsenal duo Takehiro Tomiyasu and Reiss Nelson.
Tomiyasu and Nelson have struggled to earn regular opportunities at Arsenal in recent months, but each impressed during the 1-0 win at Brentford in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Tomiyasu was named as man of the match as Arsenal progressed to the fourth round and Arteta has praised the Japan international as one of the best defenders he has seen.
“The way he reads danger and the way he resolves a lot of composure,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with Bournemouth.
“It’s really difficult to run past him. The moment Tomi has consistency he’s going to be a really important asset. Defending he’s probably one of the best I’ve seen.”
Arteta also praised Nelson, who scored the winner at Brentford on his first start of the season. The Arsenal boss believes the 23-year-old can make a major contribution as he regains his rhythm and fitness after a pre-season injury.
“He had a niggle in pre-season and now he is coming back and he is coming into form and we need him. He has really good qualities and also with the situation we have with the players in the forward areas, he is really good.
“We need to see him starting as well. We need to rotate players but we need them to be starting as well.”
