After a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in New Jersey, Kieran Tierney still has quite a long way to go with the club.
While his teammates engage in post-match niceties, the Scottish international, works with the fitness coach, Barry Solan, doing shuttle runs.
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This dedicated routine sets him apart from others. Last summer brought a dramatic change for the 26-year-old at Arsenal.
With the signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko, manager Mikel Arteta revolutionized the left-back position, shifting from traditional touchline runs to controlling the midfield.
Tierney admits he’s still learning this new role and seeks guidance from Zinchenko.
“Alex is the prime example of how to do it so if you’re going to learn off anyone it would be Zinchenko,” he said.
“I’ve been learning off him and asking him questions but there are so many different ways of playing. The last few games I haven’t been doing that.
“Different people work different ways. I prefer to do it on the pitch.
“Video helps for sure and even when you’re on the bench you watch when he goes inside, when he comes out.
“It’s all learning as it was genuinely all new to me. I had never played in the centre of the park before.
“It wasn’t somewhere I ventured in very often before so it makes you a better player learning. It’s not for me. It’s for the team and giving them the best chance to win.”
Though he strives to adapt, Tierney faced struggles in the past year.
Despite avoiding injuries for a full season, minutes became scarce due to Zinchenko being Arteta’s first choice left-back and other tactical decisions.
Throughout, Arteta explains his choices to Tierney, who remains professional and contributes to Arsenal’s success. He had the following to say:
“I never missed one game with injury last year,” he says. “I was available every game and ready when called upon. That’s football.
“You can’t play every single game, every single season, every single year. I don’t expect that and I still made a lot of appearances last year.
“I was ready every game and working 100 per cent. I think everyone in there would agree with that, that I never give less than that whether I’m playing or not.
“In the games I did play I tried to do my best for the team. I came off the bench a lot last season whether that was to see games out or help get a goal.”
Tierney’s commitment helps maintain a positive atmosphere at Arsenal, especially with new signings like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
The Scot praises the close-knit group, and the newcomers who have settled in well, fostering good vibes within the team.
“Declan actually said the other day he feels like he’s been here for so long,” the Scot says. “It’s such a close group, great teammates, great staff so I think they’re all loving it.
“We’ve had a few songs. Declan gave us Ice, Ice Baby as he always does. They’ve integrated really well and we’ve done team activities together. It’s been just what the new boys needed.”
Despite Newcastle’s interest, Tierney focuses on his present role. He’s content and dedicated to doing his best.
The future holds uncertainties, but Tierney puts that aside, concentrating on his daily efforts.
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As Tierney heads to the Arsenal team bus for dinner in New Jersey, he reflects on the long day.
There’s still much ahead for the Scottish left-back, who remains ready to embrace new challenges and contribute to Arsenal’s journey.
