Declan Rice says £15.5m Arsenal star is the 'most professional player' he has ever seen

Arsenal have become one of the best teams in the world thanks to Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard has instilled incredible professionalism within his squad, and that has helped them reach a whole new level compared to where they were five years ago.

Arteta demands 100 per cent from every single Arsenal player in training as well as in games. He does not accept anything less, and everyone seems to be putting in the hard work.

Rice is a phenomenal trainer himself, but he thinks there’s someone more professional than him in the Arsenal squad.

Declan Rice says Takehiro Tomiyasu is the ‘most professional player’ he has ever seen

Arsenal signed Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna in the summer of 2021 for just £15.5 million (Guardian).

The Japan international became an instant fan favourite at the Emirates, and he is loved by everyone inside the club as well.

Tomiyasu is a terrific player. He can play across the backline and also in midfield, is good with both feet and is great in the air as well.

He is a manager’s dream, but unfortunately for him, injuries have held him back from being a regular since joined the club.

Tomiyasu is currently injured as well and will miss Arsenal’s first game of the new Premier League season against Wolves.

However, he should be back very soon thanks to his professionalism – Rice thinks there’s no one better than him in that department.

In a video released on Arsenal’s social channels, when Tomiyasu was asked to pick between a spa and a gym when he’s on holiday, the defender picked the latter.

Rice expected that and quickly said: “He is the most professional player I have come across!”

Tomiyasu’s Arsenal future is on the line

As we said earlier, Tomiyasu is a dream player for a manager to have.

There aren’t many footballers in the world who can easily play in five different positions – Tomiyasu can and has done it brilliantly for Arsenal.

However, his injury record is really worrying.

Tomiyasu has missed 40 games for club and country since he joined Arsenal, and he is set to be unavailable for a few more weeks now.

That has led to rumours that the Japan international could be sold for the right price. Reports revealed that Arsenal even tried to include Tomiyasu in the Riccardo Calafiori deal.

We expect Tomiyasu to stay this summer, but if he can’t overcome his injuries this term, we feel his Arsenal career will come to an end in 2025.