---
title: "Fans react to Strachan’s Tierney-van Dijk comparison – can the Scot have the same impact?"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2019/10/01/fans-react-to-strachans-tierney-van-dijk-comparison-can-the-scot-have-the-same-impact/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-10-01T05:30:06Z"
modified: "2019-10-01T05:30:06Z"
---

# Fans react to Strachan’s Tierney-van Dijk comparison – can the Scot have the same impact?

Gordon Strachan has heaped praise on Kieran Tierney, comparing the left-back to former Celtic teammate and now Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

The 22-year-old finally joined the Gunners in a deal worth £25 million and made his first Arsenal appearance in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest after recovering from a long-term groin problem.

![Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1177002727-1.jpg)

Tierney is expected to become Unai Emery’s first-choice left-back in the near future to play a key role in attempting to turn Arsenal’s defensive fortunes around.

And now, former Scotland boss Strachan, talking on [Sky Sports’ ‘The Debate’ show, cited by the Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-new-boy-kieran-tierney-20327833), believes that the former Celtic star is as good at reading the game as van Dijk.

> Kieran is seriously a wonderful kid and his understanding of danger is magnificent.

> He reminds me of Van Dijk in that way. The first time I watched Virgil and Kieran play, I thought, ‘Are you lucky, or are you brilliant at reading the game?’.

Strachan continued:

> You could have six attackers and just him, and Kieran could still sniff the danger and get the ball. So he’ll certainly help Arsenal get to the top four.

These fans on social media were quick to agree with Strachan’s claims.

> Twitter: @MirrorFootball @TomHopkinson He’s right in way both positional sense was superb so very easy to expect him to do the same (@SeanMullin2)

> Twitter: @empireofthekop I don’t know what’s wrong with what he said? I didn’t say he was as good as VVD he just said he see… https://t.co/jOa4hBKBSB (@KarenSLFC)

Meanwhile, Arsenal supporter Ben said:

> I agree with Strachan here. He’s not said Tierney is better or worse than van Dijk, he’s just praising both player’s positional play. Anything wrong with that?

So could Tierney have as big of an impact in north London as van Dijk has on Merseyside?

* * *

### Read Arsenal verdict

It’s fair to say Arsenal fans were impressed with what they saw from their new signing, and if he can get off to a good start in the league, he could have a vital part to play in fixing the club’s defensive woes.

Tierney received a standing ovation for his performance against Forest and showed he has the ability to become a star in the Arsenal side.

Van Dijk, almost single handily, sorted out Jurgen Klopp’s issues overnight at Anfield, and although Tierney won’t do that at the Emirates, if he can continue his good start, Emery won’t have to worry about his left-back problems from now on.