John Barnes has played down hype over Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney, as quoted in The Glasgow Evening Times.
While the former Liverpool star believes that Tierney is a good player, he wants to see more consistency from him next season.
The former Celtic boss has added that he does not think that the Scotland international left-back was at his best for Arsenal this past campaign.
The Glasgow Evening Times quotes Barnes as saying about Tierney: “There’s no doubt Kieran Tierney is a very good player but he hasn’t played at his best this season – far from.
“Yes there’s been injuries along the way but also, being a new signing and not getting enough air time could quite easily knock your confidence – especially in a club such as Arsenal.
“And for some players it takes a little bit longer to get in with the team. Liverpool had Firmino who took time as did Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson.
“None of them are bad players, far from, but they all took a while to find their place and environment.
“And I think Tierney has now finally found an environment where he can show what he can do but he’s got to keep on doing that over and over again; if he can remain consistent throughout the next season, he’ll be great.”
Mixed Arsenal spell
Tierney joined Arsenal – who are rated at 9/2 by Betfair to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season – from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic in the summer of 2019 for a transfer fee reported by Sky Sports to be worth £25 million.
The left-back was carrying an injury when he arrived at the Emirates Stadium, and he suffered further fitness problems
However, the Scotsman was superb after football resumed after lockdown, and he played an important role in Mikel Arteta’s side winning the FA Cup this past season.
Stats
According to WhoScored, Tierney made 12 starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal this past season, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.
The 23-year-old also provided two assists in four Europa League matches, played thrice in the FA Cup and twice in the EFL Cup for the Gunners in 2019-20, according to WhoScored.
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