Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu is arguably Japan's most versatile defender of his generation — capable of playing right-back, centre-back, or as part of a back three, a flexibility Mikel Arteta exploited regularly at Arsenal. His four seasons in north London were disrupted by persistent calf injuries, but when fit he demonstrated the composure and tactical intelligence of a top-level European defender. His 2025 move to Ajax alongside compatriot Ko Itakura gives Japan a formidable defensive partnership at club level. Originally a centre-back at Bologna, his positional adaptability remains his defining asset for the national team.