“What I can’t do with ball, he can do it with an orange…Everyone sees him as a magician”: Kieran Tierney names Arsenal star who always performs magic with ball in the training and reveals how teammates are afraid of challenging him

Arsenal’s star Oleksandr Zinchenko has received high marks from Kieran Tierney because of his versatility as a left-back.

After making an unexpected move from Manchester City to the Gunners in 2022, Zinchenko has established himself as the team’s regular left-back option.

As a result, Tierney saw less playing time during the previous season. Also, in the latter part of the season, he was ranked lower in the pecking order than Jakub Kiwior.

The Scotland international claimed in a Daily Mail interview that Zinchenko, who has adjusted to the position of inverted left back, is one of the greatest creators.

After beginning his career as a winger, the former Celtic player continued, saying he was “alien” to playing in central midfield and that Zinchenko “makes it look so easy” on the field.

“At Arsenal, the left back can be one of the most central players in the team,” he told Daily Mail. If Oleksandr Zinchenko is the one, then he is among the greatest creators working from a central place.

“I found that strange when it was first introduced. I started out as a winger and had never played center midfield. When I was at Arsenal, I was attempting to find that out.

It is difficult to doubt it when you observe how well it functions. I decided to just go ahead and learn from the best, getting to practice with them. Zinchenko looks so effortless because it comes so naturally to him.

Throughout his 60 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, Zinchenko has contributed four assists and two goals. Although he is less involved in goals, his presence still has an impact.

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The €42 million-rated player’s ability to invert from left-back often gives the team a man advantage in midfield. He’s a great fit for the role thanks to his strong distribution abilities.

Naturally, the Ukrainian has occasionally shown weakness on defense, but manager Mikel Arteta has been willing to put his trust in him because he has more advantages than disadvantages. It’s encouraging to see Tierney valuing him.

At one point, Tierney—who is currently on loan at Real Sociedad—was among the team’s top players. The crowd applauded his overlapping runs out wide and his solid defensive play.

The club has outgrown him, though, because contemporary full-backs are now required. Tierney was unable to work into the manager’s schedule. It appears highly probable that he will be offloaded permanently this summer.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kiwior are currently available for Arsenal to back up Zinchenko. Jurrien Timber is another, and he should be back next month following a serious knee injury.