Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu (冨安 健洋) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League club Arsenal and the Japan national team.

Mainly a full-back, he can be also be deployed as a centre-back.

Beginning his career at Avispa Fukuoka, Tomiyasu had a spell with Belgian club Sint-Truiden and Italian club Bologna before joining Arsenal in 2021.

He impressed at the 2013's JFA Premier Cup, and was named in the Best Eleven as a result.

In May 2015, it was announced that Avispa Fukuoka had registered Tomiyasu.

After appearing in two matches as an unused substitute, he made his debut for the club on 14 October 2015 as a starter in a 2–0 loss against Machida Zelvia in the third round of the Emperor's Cup.

At the end of the 2015 season, Tomiyasu signed a temporary contract with Avispa Fukuoka.

At the start of the 2016 season, Tomiyasu spent the first half of the J League season on the substitute bench.

Tomiyasu made his first appearance of the season on 20 April 2016, as a starter in the defensive midfield position, in a 0–0 draw against Vegalta Sendai in the J League Cup.

However, in the J. League Cup match against Sagan Tosu, Tomiyasu was sent off for a second bookable offence in a 1–1 draw.

Two months later, on 13 July 2016, he made his league debut for the club, starting in the defensive midfield position in a 2–1 win against FC Tokyo.

After making his debut for the club, Tomiyasu became a regular for the side, usually playing in the defensive midfield position.

It was reported on 26 September 2016 that he had become the second player in the league to be the fastest player at 12.436 km in.

Following the club's relegation to J. League 2, Tomiyasu went on to make sixteen appearances in all competitions.

At the end of the 2016 season, Tomiyasu had his contract with the club renewed.

In the 2017 season, Tomiyasu became a regular for the side, playing at centre back.

He then scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–1 win against Roasso Kumamoto on 19 March 2017.

Despite being absent from the first team, due to international commitment, Tomiyasu continued to regain his first-team place for the club for the rest of the season.

He then helped Avispa Fukuoka three clean sheets in three matches between 29 July 2017 and 11 August 2017.

Tomiyasu later helped the club qualify for the J1 League Promotion Playoffs, having finished fourth place in the league.

He helped the side beat Tokyo Verdy 1–0 to reach the semi–finals of the J1 League Promotion Playoffs.

In the final of the J1 League Promotion Playoffs against Nagoya Grampus, Tomiyasu played 90 minutes, as they drew 0–0 but saw Avispa Fukuoka unsuccessfully promoted to J. League One.

At the end of the 2017 season, Tomiyasu went on to make thirty–nine appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

This turned out to be his only appearance of the 2017–18 season.

Having previously played for various youth levels, Tomiyasu received a call-up for Japan's senior team in 2018.

It was announced on 8 January 2018 that Tomiyasu would be moving abroad for the first time in his career by joining Belgian First Division A side Sint-Truiden.

He signed a three and a half year contract with the club, keeping him until 2021.

Upon joining the club, Tomiyasu said: "I want to become a special player in Belgium."

After spending months at training and recovering from an ankle injury, Tomiyasu made his Sint-Truiden debut for the club, coming on as a late substitute, in a 2–1 win against Royal Antwerp on 12 May 2018.

In the 2018–19 season, Tomiyasu made his first start for Sint-Truiden and played the entirety of a 0–0 draw against Cercle Brugge in the opening game of the season.

Since the start of the season, he became a regular for the side, playing at centre back.

He featured for the side that reached the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, and also played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup.

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Tomiyasu was first scouted by the Sanchiku Kickers’ general manager Kanji Tsuji, who was impressed with his performance, especially his speed.

Following this, Tsuji convinced his parents to let him play football, which led Tomiyasu to be enrolled at Sanchiku Elementary School.

When he was eleven, Tomiyasu was recommended for a trial at FC Barcelona Soccer Camp by his coach.

He impressed at the trial so FC Barcelona offered him a place on the club's youth academy, but it was difficult for him to relocate to Spain and the move was cancelled.

Despite this, Tomiyasu said the experience at the Soccer Camp was "inspiring".

After failing to join FC Barcelona, Tomiyasu joined Avispa Fukuoka.

Initially playing in the midfield position, he switched to centre back.

During his time at Avispa Fukuoka's youth system, Tomiyasu had a period as the club captain.