“I’ve Played Against Ramos, Pepe… But This Guy Is DIFFERENT!” – Mohamed Salah Shocks Fans by Naming This Surprising Arsenal Defender as the Toughest He’s Ever Faced – And It’s Not Saliba, Gabriel, or Kiwior!
In a revelation that’s left fans stunned, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has named the one Arsenal defender who completely surprised him with his strength, intelligence, and relentless defending — and it’s none of the names everyone expected.
When asked about the toughest defenders he’s faced, Salah could have easily mentioned familiar names like Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Virgil van Dijk, or Antonio Rüdiger. Instead, he stunned the footballing world with this bold statement:
> “I’ve faced world-class defenders like Ramos and Pepe, but honestly, none compare to the quality this Arsenal defender brings.”
The player he’s talking about? Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Yes, the quiet and unassuming Japanese defender has been praised by Salah as the most complete and relentless defender he has ever faced. A player who, according to Salah, doesn’t just defend — he suffocates you.
Why Tomiyasu Stands Out
Salah explained why Tomiyasu is in a league of his own, despite not having the same global fame as other defenders:
> “He gives you no space. Not even a millimetre. You think you’ve gotten past him, and then suddenly — BOOM — he’s there again. He’s fast, strong, smart, and completely fearless.”
The Egyptian forward, known for terrorizing defenders across Europe, admitted that Tomiyasu’s rare mix of power, quickness, and anticipation makes him almost impossible to play against:
“He reads every move I make before I even do it. That’s not just skill — that’s instinct.And that’s very rare.”
