Pain in the Arsenal
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3 potential benefits of playing Jakub Kiwior in Zinchenko role

By Kenneth Daly

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - JULY 13: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal FC at Max-Morlock Stadion on July 13, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY - JULY 13: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal FC controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal FC at Max-Morlock Stadion on July 13, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) /
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NUREMBERG, GERMANY – JULY 13: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal is challenged by Johannes Geis of 1. FC Nürnberg during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal FC at Max-Morlock Stadion on July 13, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – JULY 13: Jakub Kiwior of Arsenal is challenged by Johannes Geis of 1. FC Nürnberg during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal FC at Max-Morlock Stadion on July 13, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) /

#3: He could help Arsenal execute the ‘John Stones’ role

As an option at centre half and for the inverted position, Kiwior offers a welcome versatility that enables us to deploy our very own John Stones-style roamer in central areas.

Manchester City showed the power of venturing centre-backs en route to claiming their historic treble last season, with Stones’ deep starting spot making it difficult to mark his forward runs.

Furthermore, his supreme composure on the ball granted the Champions an extra body in every phase of possession and allowed each no. 8 to drift into more advanced slots for enhanced goal threat, while the midfield station helps him retreat quickly and thereby aid the defensive effort.

From an Arsenal perspective, Kiwior’s skillset means he can likewise protect the Gunners’ backline if William Saliba is encouraged to drive into the middle, or right-back inversion may see the Pole assume the marauding role himself as he boasts the technical proficiency to evade any opposition press and complete penetrative passes.

His inverted candidature adds another string to the Arsenal bow, and Arteta will surely trial him there again on our upcoming US tour.

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