Takehiro Tomiyasu identifies the Arsenal teammate he would prefer to avoid facing

Gabriel Martinelli, according to Takehiro Tomiyasu, is the Arsenal teammate he is most relieved not to play against because “he never stops!”

The Gunners squad offers the Japanese defender a wide range of alternatives, with Mikel Arteta having access to a number of up-and-coming attacking prospects.

Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Jesus were all in excellent shape prior to their season-ending injuries at the World Cup, but Tomiyasu chose another Brazilian.

Although Martinelli has seven goals in 19 Premier League games so far this season, Tomiyasu would be most concerned with his work ethic and intensity.

The adaptable defender responded to GOAL when asked which teammate he is most pleased to have by saying, “Gabriel Martinelli.” He does not stop!

‘He has pace, aggression. He’s still young, but when he has the ball he wants to make the difference, he wants to do something.’

Tomiysasu has started just four Premier League games so far this season, despite playing frequently as a substitute.

Ben White has been moved to right-back and has replaced the Japanese star there since William Saliba started playing center-back.

Naturally, the 24-year-old would want to start every game, but he accepts the battle for spots, especially given how well-performing Arsenal is at the top of the Premier League.

‘You have to accept the reality,’ he said. ‘Ben White has been doing very well. He is fantastic.

‘Of course I want to play from the start. The only thing I can do is prove my value on the pitch and show what I can do.

‘I just want to help the team. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing from the start or not. When I’m on the pitch I give everything.’

In the Premier League, Arsenal is inactive once again on Saturday at Everton as they attempt to increase their five-point lead at the top of the standings.