Oleksander Zinchenko has had a lukewarm start to Arsenal’s 2023–24 season, impressing in some games but disappointing in others in the inverted full-back role. His inconsistency has prompted requests for him to be replaced at left back by Mikel Arteta, who prefers to deploy the more dependable Takehiro Tomiyasu. While many have agreed with such a move, some have suggested that instead of dropping the Ukrainian international, he be played in midfield.
When Vieira was sent off before the international break for a risky tackle that resulted in a straight red card, Arteta shifted Zinchenko to midfield and played Jakub Kiwior at left back in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Burnley.
That situation suggested that Zinchenko could see more playing time as a midfielder.
So is it likely that Mikel Arteta will use the former Manchester City star in a more forward position? According to Simon Collings’ piece in the Standard, Zinchenko is unlikely to be used as a midfielder. Collings claims that Arteta has always considered Zinchenko as a left back who would be ideal for the inverted role, and that it was even he who suggested the 26-year-old be converted from a midfielder to a full defender when at City.
He goes on to say that the only chance the Gooners had to see Zinchenko in midfield was if Jurrien Timber was fit to play, because Arteta would have relied on Tomiyasu and Timber at left back, and Zinchenko would have taken his original attacking midfielder role, which he still plays when representing Ukraine.
Do you think Arsenal should be using Zinchenko in midfield rather than as a defender?
Daniel O
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Because inversion is required with pivots, no exceptions!
Let’s see what the January window brings in but until then it’s worth a try.
Because Arteta has too many midfielders who can play AM
If Zinchenko plays in Xhaka’s position, we will have fewer playmakers in the starting line-up
Tomiyasu and Kiwior can play inverted LB, but their playmaking abilities aren’t as good as Zinchenko’s
Have always thought this. He has skill, great passing, vision and plays there for Ukrsine. So Odegastd, Rice and Zinchenko in midfield. PS Rice is far better on the holding role anyway. So that leaves Odegaard and Zincheko creating . Tomiyasu has played really well at Left Back too.
I’m sure Zinchenko will thrive in left-sided AM position, but Tomiyasu or Kiwior behind him won’t help much creatively
Tomiyasu and Kiwior are good defenders who’re useful in tough away matches, but we need more playmakers to play against mid-table teams at the Emirates
Gai we need to be dynamic in away games and be unpredictable. For now, I don’t see anyone apart from Rice who can play better than Zichenko in left AM he does so we’ll for Ukrain. With Zichenko at Xhaka’s position and Odegard at the other end we will be unpredictable. At least that can be explore in some games. But it won’t fly against physical opponent.
If Timber can play next year, I think we can try Zinchenko in the left-sided AM position
Both Kiwior and Tomiyasu are e fine defenders and much better at it than Zinchenko. We have a great defence but we could have an even better one.
They’re very useful in tough away matches, but I think we need more playmakers to play against ultra-defensive mid-table teams at home
That said this season, Zinchenko’s defensive abilitys been not enough at times even for the counter attacks by those middle/lower class teams, without Xhaka.
You know, not only the duels but also the sense of positioning and the back-line controlling are some of Tomiyasu’s strongest points. By having such a player behind, our attackers can demonstrates their abilities without hesitation.
Zinchenko’s for sure such a great artist on the ball though, he’s not too good off the ball or at positioning compared to Tomiyasu; often takes the space that Rice or Jorginho should use.
Sometimes I wanna see Zinny play as a MF together with Tomi on the left side, to see if we have David Silva in front of our great 4CB backline.
Well we did have Tierney but Arteta is allergic to rampaging overlapping fullbacks, so now we don’t. And he was much, much better at defending than Zinchenko. I get the whole overloading midfield thing but when Tomiyasu is the furthest forward attacking midfielder it’s a bit ridiculous. Ben White is a perfect fullback/centreback hybrid. But in my opinion good fullbacks never go out of fashion.
Zinchenko isn’t strong enough for the box to box role but him being in the left AM role and Tomiyasu or Kiwior at LB gives Rice relief,
Zinchenko’s passing abilities are very high, we’ll see more of him,once we get a strong,tall and fast CF.
IMO, Arteta should use him in various roles, he adapts fast and has a high percentage on accuracy.
I had reservations, the last time we discussed this,
due to Zinchenko being of quite slight stature, and didn’t think he’d be tough enough for the role, but if he manages it successfully at an international level, then why not!
Havertz was playing left back for Germany.
Perhaps they could swap.
Although I am guessing Arteta prefers a more physical player like Havertz or Xhaka on the role.
Arsenalalready have their hands full playing against physical teams, am afraid this role is not suited for Ukrainian.
I would if it gets him away from the left back role.
Defensively he is pretty awful so sounds good to me.👍🏻
I would try him into the Havertz role as he hasnt done anything and Arteta perfers to alternate Trossard wirh Martinelli or Jesus.
Midfield is a tough area to play in you need to be rounded and physically strong mobile and adept in ball-challenging playing too does this sound like Zinny? In some games it might fly like when teams have banks of defenders playing very deep for long spells and if Timber is back to fitness. Everything I said the fans are all already aware of. Not ideal but could have his moments