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Arsenal legend Martin Keown has admitted that he was wrong about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s defensive abilities after his move to the Emirates this summer.
THE LOWDOWN: IMPRESSIVE START AT THE EMIRATES
Since his move to the Emirates, versatile player Oleksandr Zinchenko has been impressive for the Gunners. He has been excellent right from his first game against Chelsea during the US tour earlier in pre-season.
He has started all three Premier League games for Mikel Arteta’s side. He was involved in the opening goal of the season by setting up Gabriel Martinelli against Crystal Palace. His composure and technicality has added more firepower to the left side of Arsenal’s attack in the absence of Kieran Tierney, who has been relegated to the bench so far this season.
THE LATEST: CONVERTED KEOWN
Martin Keown, who had initially questioned Zinchenko’s defensive abilities, has now admitted that he was wrong and has a lot of praise for the former Manchester City man.
Keown was impressed by the 25-year-old during Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Bournemouth away from home at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Keown was speaking on Match of the Day on BBC One and went on to retract his initial words about the defender.
“Zinchenko, absolute class. He really is. It’s another level now for these young players to aspire to, what he does on the left-hand side of that pitch.
“I was a bit worried about him when he first came defensively, he didn’t get much pre-season, but look at how assured he is there, that is pure class. Nothing ruffles him.”
THE VERDICT: CLASS INDEED
Arsenal really added some quality to the squad this season and Oleksandr Zinchenko is just right up there for Mikel Arteta. He has been a superb signing and has hit the ground running.
The Ukrainian did well when he was at Manchester City, and he seems to have brought that form to Arsenal. The 25-year-old has started well at left-back for Arsenal and that has kept Kieran Tierney out of the team.
However it may be, because of his versatility, he is an asset for Mikel Arteta and could effectively feature in a variety of formations.
For Arsenal to finish in the Premier League top four this season as well as make an impact in the UEFA Europa League, Zinchenko is one of those players that must keep his performances up.
