NafisaFormer Scotland international turned commentator Don Hutchison has asserted that Kieran Tierney reached his appropriate level at Arsenal, implying the North London club have progressed beyond his capabilities.
With Arsenal securing zero league titles since Tierney’s arrival, the Scottish defender played a pivotal role in the FA Cup triumph in 2020 and the Community Shield successes in 2020 and 2023—indicating that when Arsenal have claimed silverware, the Celtic-bound defender significantly contributed.
Arsenal currently trail 1-0 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-final against PSG, with Tierney remaining an unused substitute in Tuesday’s match. Hutchison believes it’s time for Tierney to rejoin Celtic.
He said: (Goldenpanda), “I don’t mean this as a dig, but I think often players always find their level. Kieran Tierney trying to play for Arsenal was a good buy at the time, but it never quite worked. He had a few injuries along the way. Sometimes you need to find your level.
“Whether that’s me playing at 36 and I’m playing in League Two for Luton, because at the time that’s my level.
“When I was 18 I was playing for Hartlepool because that was my level. Then you get to your highest possible level and you try and stay there. That’s how you are consistent.
“I think the move for him will be a good one. I think Brendan taking him back to Celtic, I think it’s a smart move. He can play in different positions. He can play, obviously, his left wing-back, his left-back is a three and a centre-back, so he’s versatile.”
Claiming Tierney has found his level is disrespectful. On his best days, he remains one of the top left-backs globally, and the Hoops are gaining an enhanced player this summer.
Arsenal’s loss is Celtic’s advantage, with Brendan Rodgers evidently thrilled to reunite with Tierney, considering their accomplishments during his initial tenure at the club.
Fans are ecstatic about Tierney’s return, and if he can maintain fitness, he’s as impactful as ever.
With Mikel Arteta occasionally preferring inverted full-backs, it’s been more of a strategic choice by the Spaniard than a reflection of Tierney’s diminished ability.
His return to Celtic stems more from his devotion to the club than a lack of suitors elsewhere, with reports indicating several Premier League and European clubs attempted to secure his signature in January.
Nafisa
