In an interview with Talksport, Celtic captain Scott Brown has backed former team-mate Kieran Tierney to be a success at new club Arsenal.
Tierney joined Arsenal in the summer from the Hoops for £25m and has only recently returned to first-team action following a long-term hip injury.
The left-back had been first pick for Celtic almost since making his debut as a 17-year-old and amassed 170 appearances for his boyhood club winning five league titles, three Scottish Cups and three League Cups along the way (according to transfermarkt), as well as earning his international debut at just 18.
Brown was effusive in his praise of Tierney when asked about the impact he could make at his new club: “He’s a fantastic full-back, he’s got everything you could ask for. He’s got pace, he’s got strength, he’s got that drive inside him that wants to win.”
“He had that at Celtic, he showed his qualities and that’s why Arsenal wanted him. I was sad to see him go because he’s a great player and a great friend as well, but it was the right time.
“He will kick on and show everyone what a quality player he is.”
The obvious comparison to make is to look at another Scottish left-back currently tearing up the Premier League in Andy Robertson. At international level, it is Tierney who makes the move either to centre-half or right-back to allow for Robertson’s greater attacking threat. Defensively, Tierney is considered the better of the two but Robertson could argue he has proven himself at a higher level in two Champions League finals.
Who is the better full-back?
Kieran Tierney
Andy Robertson
For a 22-year-old, Tierney is vastly experienced and as well as winning trophies and competing in the Champions League, he has captained both his club and country, a demonstration of his “drive” and leadership skills.
At £25m, Arsenal have secured a bargain for the long-term, an experienced campaigner with his best years still ahead of him. Gunners fans have already fallen in love with Tierney despite him not being fully fit yet and if he gets close to what Robertson has achieved at Liverpool it will be money well spent.