Arsenal news: Campbell issues ‘brilliant’ verdict after Takehiro Tomiyasu latest
Kevin Campbell has hailed Arsenal “unsung hero” Cedric Soares for his “brilliant” recent performances.
The former Gunners striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old has deputised for stricken right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu “really well”.
Cedric has started each of Arsenal’s last six Premier League games in the absence of the Japan international – whose last league action came on New Year’s Day.
As per the Evening Standard (17 March), Tomiyasu’s omission from the Japan squad could mean his calf issue will keep him out of this weekend’s (19 March) game against Aston Villa.
Campbell hailed Cedric’s form, claiming the 30-year-old has been a “credit to himself” since coming into the side.
“He’s been really good,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He has come in and done a real job exactly when we’ve needed him to.
“The jury was out on him for some Arsenal fans because he hasn’t performed perhaps as well as he should have in the past.
“But it just goes to show the spirit and the culture at the club now with how he’s pushed on. He’s performing brilliantly.
“He’s had his hands full at times, so fair play to him and the defence.
“He has been a credit to himself and is almost an unsung hero in that backline – he’s deputised for Tomiyasu really well.”
Cedric’s performances have earned him a recall to the Portugal squad for their crucial World Cup playoff matches this month.
The former Southampton ace, who is contracted until 2024, joined Arsenal on a free transfer after an initial loan spell.
He has made 44 appearances for the club, scoring once.
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