“I’ve Faced Ramos, Pepe… But This Guy Is DIFFERENT!” – Mohamed Salah Stuns Fans By Naming This Unexpected Arsenal Star As The Best Defender He’s Ever Faced – Not Saliba, Not Gabriel, Not Even Kiwior!
In a jaw-dropping revelation that’s sending shockwaves across the footballing world, Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah has just dropped a bombshell that no one saw coming. The Egyptian winger, who has faced some of the most elite defenders in the world throughout his glittering career, has named the ONE Arsenal player who completely shocked him with his aggression, quality, and defensive brilliance—and no, it’s not Saliba, Gabriel, or even Kiwior.
The footballing world expected the usual suspects when Salah was asked about the toughest defenders he’s ever come across. Names like Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Virgil van Dijk, and even Antonio Rüdiger would naturally come to mind. But Salah left fans stunned with his brutally honest and heartfelt admission:
> “I’ve encountered world-class defenders like Ramos, Pepe, and even some very tough Premier League defenders over the years. But to be quite honest, none of them can be compared to the quality this Arsenal defender possesses.”
“He is one of the most dangerously aggressive players I have EVER faced in my career.”
And the name that followed?
Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Yes, you read that right. The unassuming, humble Japanese defender has been labelled by Mohamed Salah himself as the most complete, fearsome and relentless defender he has ever encountered on the pitch. A defender who doesn’t just mark you—he suffocates you.
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🔥 The Tomiyasu Effect: Why Salah Couldn’t Breathe
Salah went on to elaborate on why Tomiyasu stands head and shoulders above the rest—despite not having the same global stardom as Ramos or Pepe.
> “He doesn’t give you space. Not even a millimetre. You think you’ve got him beat, and then BOOM—he’s back, he’s sliding in, he’s in your face. He’s quick, physically strong, tactically intelligent, and above all… he’s fearless.”
The Egyptian forward, who has tormented the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and even Barcelona over the years, admitted that Tomiyasu’s unique blend of brute physicality and sharp intelligence makes him an absolute nightmare to play against.
> “He reads every move I make before I even make it. That’s not just talent—that’s instinct. That’s rare.”
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🧠 A Tactical Masterpiece by Mikel Arteta
While Arsenal’s backline often draws praise for the towering partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, and the promise of young defenders like Jakub Kiwior, it’s Tomiyasu who often flies under the radar. But make no mistake—Mikel Arteta knows exactly what he has.
Tomiyasu has been deployed in multiple positions, from right-back to left-back, and even as a central defender when needed. His adaptability, awareness, and relentless style have turned him into Arteta’s ultimate defensive chess piece.
In matches against Liverpool, it’s no coincidence that Salah has been unusually quiet when Tomiyasu starts. The stats speak for themselves—Salah has completed fewer dribbles, registered fewer shots, and been dispossessed more times when Tomiyasu is on the pitch compared to any other Arsenal defender.
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🗣️ Reactions Pour In: Fans, Pundits, and Even Rivals Are Shocked
As soon as Salah’s comments hit social media, the football world erupted.
@GunnersGlobal:
“We knew Tomiyasu was underrated. But Salah just CONFIRMED he’s world-class. Not Gabriel. Not Saliba. It’s TOMI TIME!”
@LFCTransferRoom:
“Even as Liverpool fans, we can’t argue. Salah doesn’t say things lightly. Tomiyasu has shut him down more times than we like to admit.”
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports:
“You look at how Salah struggles against Tomiyasu and it makes you realize—this guy is absolutely elite. Salah’s praise is a serious badge of honour.”
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👀 The Bigger Picture: Respect for the Silent Warrior
Takehiro Tomiyasu doesn’t do interviews filled with bravado. He doesn’t wave his arms or dive into reckless challenges for attention. Instead, he plays football with the stoicism of a samurai and the precision of a surgeon.
In a world where loud personalities often overshadow raw ability, Salah’s recognition is perhaps the loudest form of praise Tomiyasu could ever receive.
And for Arsenal fans, it’s yet another sign that their club has quietly built one of the most complete defensive units in Europe—with Tomiyasu at the heart of it all.
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🏁 Final Whistle: Salah’s Words Echo Beyond the Pitch
When a player of Mohamed Salah’s calibre—someone who has battled Europe’s elite and lit up the world stage—says you’re the best defender he’s EVER faced, that’s not just a compliment.
That’s a legacy.
Takehiro Tomiyasu may not be the most talked-about Arsenal defender. But after Salah’s stunning admission, he might just be the most feared.
