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Takehiro Tomiyasu made his unofficial Crystal Palace debut in the 3-1 win over Al Ula at the Como Cup.
The former Arsenal man has been taken on trial after leaving Ajax earlier this summer. BBC Sport believe there is a broad agreement over personal terms in place, but the Japan international must still prove his fitness to Pierre Sage after missing over 100 games due to injury across the last five years.
The versatile defender missed 113 games for club and country during his time at Arsenal… 🇯🇵
Would you offer Tomiyasu a contract? 🤔
Tomiyasu has been training with Crystal Palace and was thrown on in the 62nd minute of the win over Al Ula, where he proceeded to deliver a very encouraging display.
Takehiro Tomiyasu impresses and earns a “well done” from Pierre Sage
If fitness was out of the question, we think the Eagles would have already tied Tomiyasu – who was once sent off at Selhurst Park – down to a contract. There is no doubt about his technical ability.
The former Bologna man is a crisp passer of the ball, which he showed against Al Ula with a pass success rate of 94% from 35 attempted passes.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Tomiyasu completed 33 out of 35 passes playing on the left of a back three – the only two that failed were simply a result of him trying ambitious switches which nearly paid off. He even attempted one on his weaker left foot which almost came off, showing his confidence in using both feet.
The Crystal Palace trialist also completed one successful dribble and made one interception in what was a highly promising cameo.
StatisticTotalMinutes28Successful passes33Unsuccessful passes2Dribbles1Dispossessed1Interceptions1
Unfortunately, the quality of the opposition meant Tomiyasu was very rarely tested defensively, so question marks still remain over that aspect of his game after an injury nightmare across recent years.
However, Sage seemed pleased by the 27-year-old in possession.
One line-breaking pass through to Tyrick Mitchell even saw Tomiyasu earn a “well done Tomi” from the Frenchman on the sideline.
Photo by Vincent Van Doornick/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images
The man born in Fukuoka also looked to be vocal and eager to communicate with his teammates, clearly signalling when players had time on the ball and when they needed to be more urgent.
On the basis of this 28-minute cameo, we would have no complaints about Tomiyasu being offered a contract, but the amount of games he has missed in recent years must be reflected in the terms.
Did any player disappoint you during the 3-1 win over Al Ula? 🤔
Thought Rak-Sakyi was really poor personally 👎
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
If that is not taken into consideration, it could prove to be a poor financial move from Crystal Palace.