Arsenal legend Martin Keown has been singing Oleksandr Zinchenko's praises
Zinchenko arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer, joining from Manchester City for a fee in the region of £35million. Since then, the Ukrainian international has been one of Mikel Arteta's standout players - helping his side to top of the Premier League table halfway into the season.
The 26-year-old has replaced Kieran Tierney as Arteta's starting left-back, showcasing his excellent technical qualities when he inverts into midfield when the Gunners are in possession. Speaking about Zinchenko to BT Sport, Keown said: "Tactically, it’s about this man, the way that he’s played as an inverted full-back, plays with a great deal of energy and intelligence, and almost arrogance to be honest.
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"Zinchenko moves into that central area, the front three are out in their positions, and they can break. When Zinchenko comes into midfield it means Xhaka can burst forward and then they create extra space on the sides, they create a two v one in wide positions and it’s a nightmare to play against."
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also lauded the former City star, highlighting the player's footballing intelligence. "One of the things about him being able to play in that inverted role is the players in more attacking positions, so coming into that area he’s very, very at ease there," Ferdinand said when asked about Zinchenko.
"He understands it and we’ve seen these pictures all his career. An educated footballer who understands what Mikel Arteta wants to put out."
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