Oleksandr Zinchenko could play in midfield for Arsenal, according to a tempting hint made by manager Mikel Arteta, who seems willing to try the Ukrainian out in this new capacity. Before their encounter against RC Lens in the UEFA Champions League, Arteta took questions from the media regarding Zinchenko’s potential move into the middle.
His statement raises expectations among football lovers and Arsenal supporters alike by raising the possibility of a strategy change that would see Zinchenko taking on a new role on the field.
“He does play in that role coming from a different position in the attacking phase. He doesn’t play there in the defensive, stable situations, because we believe we have other players to use there. It is a possibility, it’s a good question, because he’s done it,” an article from sportskeeda.com shared.
Since Jurrien Timber is injured this season, Zinchenko has assumed command as Arsenal’s starting left-back. Kai Havertz has recently shown well in that capacity for his national team, giving the management of the Gunners a new alternative. The array of talent and decisions at Arsenal’s left-back position is impressive right now.
Former Arsenal player Mikel Arteta is encouraged to move Oleksander Zinchenko into midfield
Former Arsenal star Adrian Clarke suggests Oleksander Zinchenko switch from defense to midfield as a calculated move for the Gunners. Clarke highlights Zinchenko’s little defensive impact and believes the midfielder would be more effective in a left-sided midfield role. Clarke highlights the possible advantages this positional change could have for Arsenal’s game when he shared his thoughts on the Handbrake Off podcast last month.
Clarke said; “In those situations where Mikel [Arteta] doesn’t feel that [Oleksandr] Zinchenko is offering enough defensively, rather than taking him off, I’d rather put him into that left-sided number eight role and keep him on. He’s got that progressive pass in him; he’s an unlocker of defenses,” an article from sportskeeda.com shared.
Arsenal, who currently leads both their Champions League group and the Premier League, will need to win on Wednesday in order to advance to the next round. They will succeed both at home and in Europe thanks to their outstanding season-long play.