“Mikel Arteta’s Latest Comments on Zinchenko’s Role Are Sure to Frustrate Arsenal Fans”
“Mikel Arteta’s Latest Comments on Zinchenko’s Role Are Sure to Frustrate Arsenal Fans”
Arsenal were impressive as they thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 in an Emirates Cup pre-season outing, and there were plenty of positives to take.
Mikel Arteta’s side were rampant as they raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half, with Gabriel Jesus particularly impressive.
This came after an air of scepticism once the teams had been announced. Kai Havertz was surprisingly pushed back into a midfield role, and both Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori were absent, meaning the much-maligned Oleksandr Zinchenko started at left-back.
However, Zinchenko answered his critics in the best possible way, opening the scoring with a powerful finish into the bottom corner after an excellent move, and his defensive display was also solid against Jeremie Frimpong.
Arsenal fans expressed their desire to see Zinchenko trialled in a midfield role, like the one he plays in for Ukraine, but it seems that Arteta is still reluctant to move him away from the back four.
Mikel Arteta gives verdict on Oleksandr Zinchenko Arsenal midfield calls
Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked whether Zinchenko could be moved to midfield, but he gave a firm rejection, and explained why he prefers him in defence.
“Obviously he has played in midfield. But the main focus for him right now is playing as a full back and the options and solutions he provides in that part,” he stated.
“He knows the quality that he has, he knows the things he needs to improve. He’s another one that is really at it.”
Why Arteta is reluctant to try Zinchenko in midfield
Fans may believe that Zinchenko would suit a midfield role better given his defensive vulnerabilities against fast wingers at left-back, but this is not necessarily the case.
Zinchenko’s best attribute is driving the ball into space and progressing it with his strong passing ability, as shown in the build-up to his goal.
This relies on him having space to run into, and whilst he gets this space when at full-back, or inverting into the middle in possession, he may not have as much time on the ball if starting in a number eight role. Getting Zinchenko back to his best form at left-back, would therefore be a better solution than moving him elsewhere.
Zinchenko also offers a strong ability on the ball when it comes to playing out from the back, and is key to the progression from defence to midfield. Arsenal essentially gain an extra midfielder with him inverting, and pushing him further forward would negate this.
Zinchenko’s defensive lapses comes against speedy wingers such as Mohamed Salah, but moving him to midfield would take away his ability to look up and face the play, and this could mean he ends up physically overran or caught in possession even more.
