“The Way He Pocketed Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé Needs to Be Studied”: Ancelotti Names the ONE Arsenal Defender Who Gave His Star-Studded Attack Nightmares — Not Timber, Not Saliba
In a jaw-dropping Champions League encounter that left millions across the globe in awe, Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti had one name on his lips after the final whistle — and no, it wasn’t the usual suspects like William Saliba or Jurriën Timber. Instead, the veteran Italian tactician singled out an unlikely Arsenal hero, whose defensive masterclass stunned Europe’s elite and silenced even the most electric forwards in world football.
After Real Madrid’s much-anticipated clash with Arsenal, a match that featured the galaxy of talent including Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior leading the Madrid frontline, Ancelotti was visibly astonished during his post-match press conference. “The way he pocketed Vinícius and Mbappé yesterday needs to be studied,” Ancelotti declared, shaking his head in disbelief. “I have been hearing so much about him, but last night I witnessed it myself. He’s indeed the best defender we have in the world now — no doubt about that.”
Those weren’t just casual compliments — they were the words of a man who had just watched his two most explosive attackers get completely nullified. In a match where Real Madrid was expected to dominate, it was Arsenal’s young and resolute backline that stole the show. And at the heart of it all was none other than Takehiro Tomiyasu — the underrated samurai warrior who turned the Emirates into a fortress.
Tomiyasu, often deployed at right-back or centre-back depending on Mikel Arteta’s tactical needs, played the game of his life. Every sprint Vinícius made was met with a precise tackle. Every cut-in attempt by Mbappé was smothered with intelligent positioning. The Japanese international didn’t just play defense — he performed a defensive symphony that left Madrid’s forwards dancing to his rhythm instead of their own.
Fans on social media couldn’t believe their eyes. One tweet read, “Tomiyasu put both Mbappé and Vini Jr in the same pocket — zipped it shut and walked off like it was another day at the office.” Another fan hilariously posted a photo of a backpack labeled “Tomiyasu’s Pocket” with both Real Madrid stars peeking out.
But beyond the memes and the banter, the reality was clear — Arsenal had unearthed a defensive titan, and he had just announced himself on the biggest stage. While Saliba and Timber often receive the spotlight, Tomiyasu’s quiet consistency, sharp instincts, and unmatched discipline have made him a coach’s dream and a forward’s nightmare.
Ancelotti’s recognition adds serious weight to Tomiyasu’s growing reputation. When a manager who has worked with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Sergio Ramos, and Thiago Silva calls you “the best defender in the world right now,” it’s not something to be taken lightly.
Arteta, too, was full of praise. “We ask a lot from our defenders, and Tomi gives everything every single time. His intelligence, composure, and timing — you can’t teach that. You either have it or you don’t,” the Arsenal boss said with a proud smile.
As Arsenal fans celebrate yet another monumental European night, they can do so knowing they possess a defender who’s not just holding his own against world-class talent — he’s outshining them. Tomiyasu may not be the flashiest name in football, but after last night, he’s earned his place among the game’s elite.
One thing’s for sure — the world is no longer sleeping on Takehiro Tomiyasu.