I have encountered world-class defenders like Ramos,Pepe and even some tough PL defenders in the league before but to be quiet honest none can be compared to the quality this Arsenal defender possess,He is one of the most dangerously aggressively player I have ever faced in my career”, Liverpool star Muhammad Salah named the ONE Arsenal player as the best He has ever faced in His career – Not Saliba,Not Gabriel and Not Kiwior
"I’ve Faced Ramos, Pepe, and the Best of the Premier League — But None Like Him": Mohamed Salah Names Shock Arsenal Defender as the Toughest He’s Ever Faced — and It’s Not Saliba, Gabriel, or Kiwior
“I’ve Faced Ramos, Pepe, and the Best of the Premier League — But None Like Him”: Mohamed Salah Names Shock Arsenal Defender as the Toughest He’s Ever Faced — and It’s Not Saliba, Gabriel, or Kiwior
In a revelation that has left both fans and pundits stunned, Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah has lifted the lid on what he describes as “the most difficult defender” he’s ever played against — and the name he mentioned wasn’t what anyone expected.
Speaking in a candid post-match interview after Liverpool’s recent Premier League clash against Arsenal, Salah, known for his explosive pace, lethal finishing, and composed dribbling, took a moment to heap rare praise on a Gunners defender who he says completely disrupted his rhythm — not through fouls or gamesmanship, but through sheer aggressive quality and mental sharpness.
“I’ve faced Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Rüdiger, and the most rugged defenders in the Premier League,” Salah began. “But if I’m being honest, none of them compare to the intensity and pure aggression of this Arsenal player. He is one of the most dangerously aggressive players I have ever encountered in my career.”
And who is this mystery man?
“Takehiro Tomiyasu,” Salah revealed. “It’s not just his strength — it’s how smart and fearless he is. He doesn’t give you space, he doesn’t let you breathe. Every time I thought I had a step on him, he closed it down immediately.”
🇯🇵 The Samurai-Like Defender: Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Rise to Recognition
Salah’s admission marks a monumental moment in the career of Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021. While often operating under the radar compared to his high-profile teammates like William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, Tomiyasu has quietly built a reputation for consistency, tactical intelligence, and unmatched physical presence.
Capable of playing as a right-back, left-back, or center-back, Tomiyasu’s versatility has made him a vital piece in Mikel Arteta’s tactical system — especially in high-pressure matches against elite opposition.
What sets him apart, according to Salah and many others, is not just his tackling or pace — but his impeccable reading of the game, and his relentless one-on-one discipline.
“You can’t predict him,” Salah continued. “One moment he’s pressing you high, and the next, he’s cut off your pass. I’ve had tough games before, but with him, it was a real battle — and I enjoyed it, honestly. He pushes you to your limits.”
📈 A Statistically Silent Giant
Despite rarely grabbing headlines, Tomiyasu’s performances speak volumes in the numbers:
- He boasts a 90%+ pass accuracy in most matches.
- He averages 3+ successful tackles and interceptions per game.
- He wins over 70% of his duels, both aerial and on the ground.
Against Liverpool, in the very game Salah referenced, Tomiyasu held the Egyptian to:
- Zero shots on target,
- Only one successful dribble,
- And fewer touches in the final third than any of Salah’s other appearances this season.
That kind of shut-down performance doesn’t just happen — it comes from meticulous preparation and world-class defensive instinct.
🗣️ Fan Reactions: “Tomiyasu, the Silent Assassin”
Once Salah’s quote hit the internet, fans erupted in appreciation and amazement:
- “Mo Salah just validated what many of us already knew. Tomiyasu is different 💪🇯🇵”
- “Arteta must be smiling. That’s our samurai defender right there.”
- “Not Gabriel. Not Saliba. It’s the humble, underrated wall called Tomiyasu.”
Arsenal fans, long aware of Tomiyasu’s contributions, are now basking in the global recognition that has often eluded the Japanese defender due to injuries and his unflashy playing style.
🧠 Arteta’s Perspective: Trust in Versatility and Character
Mikel Arteta has consistently praised Tomiyasu for his professionalism, intelligence, and quiet leadership.
“Tomi is a coach’s dream,” Arteta said earlier this season. “He listens, he learns, and he performs. Whether he plays 5 minutes or 90, you’ll always get 100%.”
With Arsenal competing on multiple fronts — domestically and in Europe — Tomiyasu’s role has only grown in importance. Salah’s recognition might just be the spark that gives him the spotlight he’s long deserved.
🔮 What This Means for Tomiyasu and Arsenal
For Tomiyasu, Salah’s comments mark a defining moment. It’s one thing to be respected by teammates or praised by your manager — but to be singled out as the toughest defender ever faced by one of the Premier League’s greatest modern attackers is a badge of honor few can wear.
And for Arsenal? It’s yet another reminder that their squad isn’t just full of stars — it’s full of battle-hardened professionals capable of rising to any challenge, whether praised or overlooked.
⚽ Final Thoughts: The Silent Defender Who Silenced Salah
In an era of flashy defenders, viral tackles, and social media fame, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains the silent warrior. He doesn’t talk much. He doesn’t showboat. But when the whistle blows, he locks in like a machine, dismantling even the most elite attackers — including one of the greatest wingers of his generation.
And now, with Mohamed Salah’s honest — and rare — praise, the world is beginning to notice what Arsenal fans have known for years:
Tomiyasu is not just dependable. He’s elite.
