Noel Whelan has predicted that Oleksandr Zinchenko will not play as a left-back at Arsenal, instead, he and Kieran Tierney will play on the left wing, with the Manchester City man playing further forward.
The Ukrainian is close to completing a switch to Arsenal from City as Mikel Arteta continues to raid his former club.
His arrival means the Gunners now have another option on the left wing and the persistent injuries being suffered by Tierney will make some fans think he has joined as a backup to the left-back.
However, the former Leeds United man Whelan, believes he and Tierney will be in the same starting XI and do damage to other clubs on that wing.
He tells Football Insider: “I don’t see Zinchenko playing at left-back, to be honest with you.
“I see him playing further up the field, on that left wing. That’s going to be a real partnership – Tierney and Zinchenko.
“They can chop and change as much as they want on that side, in attack and defence – I think it’s a really exciting proposition.
“I’d be very surprised if Tierney were to drop down the pecking order as a result of this deal. In my opinion, I’m thinking Arteta has got a plan for both of them in this Arsenal side.
“Zinchenko is more suited to an attacking role, for me, anyway. He links up very well and I think he’ll settle in very nicely.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Tierney remains one of the finest left-backs in the country, and Zinchenko will struggle to play if the Scotsman is fit.
With that in mind, his best bet to be on the team would be to take a position further forward.
Fortunately, he is adept at playing in that role having done so on several occasions at City.
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With 38 PL games a probable 10+ EL games as well as Carabao and FA cup games Arsenal is likely to play a possible 55 games this term. With Tierney and Parteys probable injury issues Tavares being Tavares and the 5 sub dispensation Zinchenko is likely to play in multiple positions including LB LW DM 30+ times. Not playing in the world cup will also increase his game time.
another noel whelan article, why oh why are we even bothering with this washed up player. who did he even play for ?.does he get a commission from just arsenal when his name is mentioned,hahahaha.i know i have the choice to scroll on down past his all too obvious observations, but,i just wonder why the hierarchy on this grand page are seemingly hanging on his every comment.
Beats me !
Makes sense that way actually, as I really struggle to see Zinchenko playing second fiddle to Tierney or vice-versa, or seeing him disputing any of the MF’s, despite that being his original position.
If for the primary LB position, Cucurella would have had it, but Zinchenko is a far more utility player, especially offensively.
But then again, being known to play many positions is hardly anything great to me – ask Niles and Chambers eg.
In all, I’m excited and look forward to seeing how it all pans out.
i see him playing in place of Xhaka in that midfield role, if he does then its a MASSIVE upgrade imo
I can see him being back up to KT as adding him to LB and bringing Xhaka back in wouldnt be too big of drop off in that area
Not that I believe anything that Noel Whelan says and especially anything that comes out of any Talk Sport pundit…
Where does that leave Martinelli or is he being moved into a centre forward role?
I agree with Val, I think he will be rotational on any position on the left ranging form Tesco, Xhakalakaboom and Martinelli.
There’s something called bench mate, and there are 5 substitution this season, so asking what would become of martineli sound silly. Can he play all the 55plus matches? Is he better than zinchenko? Man city has two good players in each position, what becomes of them? Sometimes you see gundogan on the bench or David silva. For the fact a player doesn’t start a matche doesn’t mean he’s finished.
However would we manage on this site without the giant brain andastoundingh wisdom of such notables as Noel Whelan, that world famous nobody and his alter ego Gabby Agbonlahor, brain of Birmingham!