Kieran Tierney: Real Sociedad the next chapter in Scotland defender’s story

Kieran Tierney: Embarking on the Next Chapter with Real Sociedad

In a world where playing games in staggering numbers has become second nature for a player like Kieran Tierney, his recent experiences at Arsenal have undoubtedly been a curveball. The guy whose playing prowess was once dubbed “freakish” by his former Celtic teammate Callum McGregor found himself facing limited opportunities last season and the early stages of this one. For a player accustomed to being on the pitch regularly, this sudden reduction in game time must have felt like a challenging ordeal.

Arsenal’s evolution from a team with soft touches to one that often finds itself second-best seems to have had little room for Tierney. With just six Premier League starts last season, he got a glimpse of a world he had no intention of being a part of. And not featuring at all in the opening league games this season? That was simply a bridge too far.

Now, some footballers might be content to linger on the sidelines of their club as long as their bank account keeps swelling. But Tierney doesn’t fit that mold. He’s already swimming in riches, and while money is nice, it’s not his primary driving force. What he truly desires is to play. Anything less, and his discontent begins to rear its head.

And so, off he goes to Real Sociedad, where he could very well make his debut against the formidable Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, just a week after the international break. While other Premier League clubs had their eyes on him, Tierney had a clear preference – he had his heart set on Sociedad.

A new league, a fresh challenge. With Sociedad agreeing to pay not just his salary but also a loan fee to Arsenal, amounting to a substantial £7 million commitment for the season, the expectations are high that he’ll be a starter. After that, who knows? Football, as we all know, can be remarkably unpredictable. Not too long ago, Tierney seemed destined to be a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s rebuilding process.

Now, Sociedad might not be the kind of club that splurges recklessly. They’re no Real Madrid or Barcelona. In 2022, they pocketed a cool £63 million from the sale of Alexander Isak to Newcastle and invested it wisely. Strengthening their squad, they clinched a fourth-place finish and secured a spot in the Champions League for the first time in a decade.

Speaking of the Champions League, it likely played a significant role in Tierney’s decision to venture into Spain. It’s been nearly six years since he graced the competition as a Celtic player, and while it holds undeniable allure, it also conjures memories of past struggles. Tierney has encountered some formidable foes in the Champions League, including a heavy 7-0 defeat to Barcelona and drubbings from Paris Saint-Germain. Out of his nine Champions League appearances, he’s only tasted victory once, against Anderlecht. Yet, the excitement of having another shot at it is palpable.

Reflecting on Tierney’s journey, one can’t help but notice the stark changes. From his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in 2019, where Arsenal floated in the abyss of eighth place, to his present departure. The players who shared the field with him on that debut day, including names like Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Calum Chambers, and David Luiz, have mostly moved on. Tierney, too, is part of this evolution, the tenth departure from that starting lineup. While he still has three years left on his contract, his future at Arsenal isn’t exactly a sure bet.

Speaking of Arsenal, Tierney’s early days there saw him rise as a standard-bearer. He shared a unique bond with the fans, exuding humility and honesty – qualities that resonated deeply, especially during the club’s darker times. He was often mentioned as one of the few players who consistently held their head high. The fans leaned on his energy and work ethic, finding solace in his presence.

When Tierney traded Glasgow for London, he stepped into a whole new world. He made headlines showing up for practice with his boots in a humble 10p shopping bag. His unconventional approach, defying the designer-focused trends followed by his peers, earned him praise in his new surroundings.

However, with time, things shifted. As Arsenal underwent transformation under Arteta’s guidance, Tierney’s role started to diminish. He became a go-to player when the team was struggling, but with the influx of influential figures like Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and others, his significance waned. Despite being in the running for the captaincy for the 2022-23 season, Tierney found himself in a supporting role, even though he occasionally wore the armband.

And now, Tierney’s move to Real Sociedad marks not only a personal relief but also holds potential benefits for Scotland. Despite his limited club playtime, his exceptional performances for the national team were a standout last season, particularly in the crucial internationals that have bolstered Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualification prospects.

In the months leading up to pivotal matches against Cyprus and Spain, Tierney averaged just 13 minutes of league play for Arsenal. Yet, he stepped up when it mattered most, showcasing his prowess against Spain while his club situation remained uncertain. With stability and a consistent starting role at Sociedad, Tierney’s journey is set to enter a new phase. At 26, the feeling is that his story has only begun to unfold. As he steps onto the pitch in Spain, he carries with him the hopes of a young player whose passion and drive to play the game remain at the forefront of his career.

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More about Resilience

• Kieran Tierney’s Official Profile
• Real Sociedad Official Website
• Kieran Tierney’s Transfer News
• Celtic FC Official Website
• Arsenal FC Official Website
• Champions League Official Website
• Scotland National Team
• Sociedad’s Champions League Qualification